In October, car manufacturers and automotive journalists will gather in the City of Lights for the Paris Motor Show, where Volkswagen is anticipated to unveil an electric vehicle boasting a range of 300 miles. This reveal marks the initial step in VW’s ambitious plan to enter the future of mobility, with plans to launch numerous EV models over the next nine years.
This information comes from the reputable electric vehicle news source Elektrek, which refers to a discussion with VW CEO Hebert Diess published in the German magazine Wirtschafts Woche. (The Drive could not locate the original article from Wirtschafts Woche, but trusts Elektrek’s report.)
According to Elektrek, Diess mentioned that the anticipated electric vehicle from VW will be comparable in size to a Volkswagen Golf, yet it will provide the storage space of a VW Passat, which signifies slightly less cargo capacity than a Golf. The CEO stated that the EV is expected to offer a driving distance between 400 and 600 kilometers, translating to around 248 to 372 miles. Even at the average of these figures, the range would be approximately 310 miles. Although the vehicle is expected to be a concept, it should closely resemble a production model that will be available in the following year or two.
Transitioning to electric mobility is a key component of Volkswagen’s “Strategy 2025,” a nine-year framework aimed at steering the company out of the aftermath of Dieselgate and navigating into the new automotive landscape. In conjunction with significant investments in autonomous driving technologies and ride-sharing services, including a $300 million stake in the Uber competitor Gett, the Strategy 2025 outlines a goal to produce up to 3 million electric vehicles annually by the mid-2030s. To achieve this, VW A.G. plans to launch over 30 new electric vehicle models by 2025, utilizing three new electric vehicle platforms, similar to the one used for the BUDD-e concept van featured above.
Moreover, Diess indicated that Volkswagen will either need to procure batteries in Germany or establish its own battery production, mirroring the strategy Tesla adopts with its Gigafactory. Therefore, if you possess a lithium mine, reaching out to Volkswagen could be a worthwhile endeavor for collaboration.
.
