Volkswagen is one of the world's largest and most influential automakers, with a history that spans more than eight decades and a portfolio that includes iconic brands such as Audi, Porsche, Skoda, and Lamborghini. But Volkswagen is also a company that has faced a major crisis in recent years after admitting to cheating on emissions tests for millions of diesel vehicles.
The scandal, known as Dieselgate, has cost Volkswagen billions of dollars in fines, lawsuits, and settlements, as well as damaged its reputation and credibility. But it has also forced Volkswagen to rethink its strategy and embrace a new vision for the future: a future that is electric.
Volkswagen has announced its ambitious plan to make electric cars affordable and accessible for everyone. The company, which has been at the forefront of the global electric mobility revolution, has promised to launch its first "e-Volkswagen" by 2025, a model that will offer high quality, long-range, and low cost.
The e-Volkswagen will be based on a new platform called Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which will combine the best features of the existing Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB) and Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The SSP platform will enable Volkswagen to produce electric cars for all segments and markets, from compact cars to SUVs, from Europe to China.
The e-Volkswagen will also benefit from Volkswagen's massive investments in battery technology and infrastructure. The company plans to build six battery cell factories in Europe by 2030, with a total capacity of 240-gigawatt hours per year. This will ensure a reliable supply of high-performance batteries that will reduce costs and increase efficiency. Moreover, Volkswagen aims to expand its charging network across Europe, China, and North America, offering its customers convenient and fast charging options.
The e-Volkswagen is part of Volkswagen's vision to become a net-zero climate-neutral company by 2050 at the latest. The company has already launched several successful electric models under its various brands, such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Volkswagen ID.4, the Audi e-tron and Audi e-tron GT and the Skoda Enyaq iV and CUPRA Born. These models have received positive feedback from customers and critics alike and have won numerous awards and accolades.