VW Affirms EV Plans

Volkswagen AG plans to offer 27 all-electric models from its new MEB (Modular Electric Toolkit) architecture across is Audi, SEAT, Skoda and VW brands by 2022.

The models are in addition to several other EVs—such as the upcoming Audi e-tron and Porsche Taycan—that ride on different platforms. Combined, VW’s plan will introduce 80 electric and hybrid models across its eight car brands by 2025, and offer an electrified version of all 300 of its group models by 2030.

The carmaker expects combined sales of first-generation MEB vehicles to top 10 million units worldwide over their lifecycles. This will result in unspecified “massive” economies of scale, VW says.

The first of the MEB models, a production version of the 2016 I.D. hatchback concept, is due by the end of 2019. VW claims the vehicle will be the first fully electric car with everyday utility that millions of people can afford. Other I.D.-badged models will follow.

VW is investing €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) in its Zwickau, Germany, facility, which will be the company’s first MEB production plant. Another €1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) will be split between three German component facilities in Braunschweig (batteries), Salzgitter (rotors and stators) and Kassel (electric drives).

The MEB electrics all will be designed to use fast-charging systems that can replenish a battery to 80% capacity within 30 minutes, according to VW.