E-mobility as key-element

“2019 will be a key year in our electrification offensive”, Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess said at this year’s Annual General Meeting in Berlin, summing up the Group's vigorous drive to promote electric mobility. He immediately added why, describing the drive technology as „by far the most efficient way to achieve decarbonization” and “the key element in our CO₂ strategy”. Dr. Diess therefore called for a “a clear commitment to e-mobility and resolute action by all parties.”

Against this background, Volkswagen goes ahead with the largest electric offensive in the history of the automotive industry. By 2023, the Group will be investing around 30 billion euros in electric mobility. It is not only assuming responsibility for climate protection, but is also setting the course for the long-term future of the company. One thing is clear: in the future, the electric car will be a key success factor in the automotive industry. We summarize the strongest arguments for e-mobility.

Climate targets require electric cars

Climate change is a fact. In the Paris Climate Agreement, the international community agreed to limit the rise in temperature and to create a climate-neutral society by 2050. This also includes completely CO₂-neutral traffic, which today can only be achieved with a high proportion of battery-operated electric cars.

Governments make tough requirements

Electric cars are key to achieving the EU's required CO₂ fleet average 95g/km emissions target in 2020. Failure to do so could result in heavy fines. By 2030, CO₂ emissions from new cars must fall by a further 37.5 percent. Strict regulations also apply in the USA and China. China has also introduced an e-quota. Anyone who does not comply with this quota may no longer sell cars there.

Electric car is ready for the markets

In contrast to the hydrogen fuel cell car, the battery-operated electric car is ready for the mass market. With ID.3, Volkswagen is bringing a car to market for the first time that offers long ranges and achieves price parity with equivalent diesel models. The expansion of the charging infrastructure is developing continuously. Among other things, IONITY will set up around 400 rapid motorway charging stations in Europe by 2020. A fast charging station will then be available every 120 kilometers.

China drives growth

China is the largest and most important automobile market in the world – and a driver of e-mobility. The Chinese government is fully committed to electric cars and is assisting its global breakthrough worldwide. More than half of all the electric cars worldwide are already sold there today. Chinese brands have now firmly established themselves and are increasingly aiming to expand internationally.

Good starting position for Volkswagen

With the MEB modular electric drive system, Volkswagen has developed a vehicle platform that is unique to the global automotive industry. It fully exploits the technological possibilities and consequently making electric cars affordable in the process. Volkswagen has therefore achieved a good initial starting position for the race against American and Chinese competitors.