Volkswagen is gearing up to take on Tesla in a big way.
The German auto giant said Monday it plans to manufacture 10 million cars that are affordable and all-electric.
It’s targeting the launch of worldwide mass production near the end of 2022.
Volkswagen will manufacture 10 million cars that are affordable and all-electric. All of them will be based on its modular MEB platform, which includes the ‘ID’ concept cars (pictured)
The cars will be based on its new modular MEB, or modular electrification kit – the same platform used to develop its futuristic, all-electric concept cars, which were unveiled in March.
VW will build 27 models for four group brands based on the MEB, starting with the Volkswagen ‘I.D’ concept cars, which will begin rolling off the production line at its plant in Zwickau, Germany, late next year.
After the diesel emissions scandal broke three years ago, VW unveiled an ambitious plan to become a world leader in green transport.
It plans to invest 6 billion euros ($7 billion) in e-car production, of which 1.3 billion will be invested in its German plants at Braunschweig, Salzgitter and Kassel.
‘In the first wave alone, around 10 million VW group cars will be based on this platform,’ the company’s head of electric mobility, Thomas Ulbrich, said in a presentation in Dresden.
The company did not give a timeline for the forecast, but stood by its existing target of selling 3 million units per year by 2025 of the 50 battery-powered group models it plans.
VW will build 27 models based on the MEB, starting with the Volkswagen ‘I.D’ concept cars, which will begin rolling off the production line at its plant in Zwickau, Germany, late next year
Volkswagen introduced its MEB-based I.D concept cars in March. The lineup includes the I.D Vizzion sedan, I.D hatchback, I.D Crozz SUV and the I.D Buzz Microbus
Volkswagen, like other German auto makers, is pushing into volume production of electric cars as U.S. rival Tesla struggles to scale up manufacturing of its Model 3, its first car to target the mass market.
BMW and Daimler also plan to ramp up e-car output in the coming years.
The VW group, which includes the Skoda, SEAT, Audi and Porsche brands, sold 10.7 million cars last year.
It has ramped up its focus on e-cars in recent years, particularly with the announcement of its lineup of ‘I.D’ concept cars.
‘The I.D will be a milestone in technological development. It will be the first fully connected electric car with full everyday utility that millions of people will be able to afford,’ said Christian Senger, head of the firm’s E-mobility product line, in a statement.
Volkswagen, like other German auto makers, is pushing into volume production of electric cars as U.S. rival Tesla struggles to scale up manufacturing of its Model 3. Pictured is the I.D Croz
‘The car holds the road really well thanks to the flat battery in the floorplan and the space inside is much more generous – we are making substantial with the sense of spaciousness.’
The lineup includes the I.D Vizzion sedan, I.D hatchback, I.D Crozz SUV and I.D Buzz Microbus.
The concept cars aren’t expected to materialize for a few years. VW is starting with the I.D Hatchback which is due to be released by around 2020.
The Hatchback won’t be in the showrooms until 2030 at the earliest – and as it’s a concept car, it may not be built at all.