VW Group Will Electrify Every One of Its Models by 2030
Electrified vehicles are going to become more common.
Every one of the Volkswagen Group’s 300 models will be offered with some form of electric assistance by 2030, according to CEO Matthias Müller, who spoke earlier today ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Electrification will range from a 48-volt “mild-hybrid” system to a fully electric model, but every brand from MAN to Bugatti will participate.
“This is not some vague declaration of intent. It is a strong self-commitment which, from today, becomes the yardstick by which we measure our performance,” said Müller. “The transformation in our industry is unstoppable. And we will lead that transformation.”
According to VW’s estimates, up to a quarter of its new vehicles will be totally electric by 2025 and the company anticipates that it will require more than 150-gigawatt hours of battery capacity per year to power that fleet.
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That’s the equivalent of four gigafactories pumping out battery cells, and to fund that move VW is starting a bidding process that will total 50-billion Euros ($59.78 billion USD).
“For us, the transformation of transportation and the energy transition are inseparable. And creating a comprehensive charging infrastructure rapidly – in cities and on highways – will be critical to success,” said Müller. “I’m convinced this will succeed if politicians, the energy industry, and automakers work in harness.”
But VW isn’t done with the internal combustion engine. Although it’s convinced that electric drive is the future, current technology must still be used to bridge the gap to the future. The group continues to work on increasing the efficiency and cleanliness of diesel engines, while at the same time improving gas and natural gas engines.
“For the time being, we will be offering the entire powertrain spectrum – from conventional to fully-electric – to enable sustainable and affordable mass mobility,” said Müller. “We are not being arbitrary. We are listening to the voice of reason.”
A version of this story originally appeared on VW Vortex
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Sebastien is a roving reporter who covers Euros, domestics, and all things enthusiast. He has been writing about the automotive industry for four years and obsessed with it his whole life. He studied English at the Wilfrid Laurier University. Sebastien also edits for AutoGuide's sister sites VW Vortex, Fourtitude, Swedespeed, GM Inside News, All Ford Mustangs, and more.
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At least a 48 volt system optional on every VW group car in twelve years, that's a pretty low bar to clear.