Volkswagen unveils cheap electric car for £17,000 launching soon as company pleads EVs are the 'future'
Volkswagen could offer electric cars under £17,000 within a few years
VOLKSWAGEN/PA
Global manufacturing giant Volkswagen has announced plans to introduce a cheap electric vehicle which could hit forecourts as early as next year.
In a bid to boost its electric offering, the brand has unveiled a new model with a price tag of just £17,000 or €20,000.
For this project, Volkswagen explained that it is going to rely on localisation in Europe with manufacturing taking place in Spain.
Due to production taking place in Europe, transport routes of components are reduced, meaning the brand would also benefit from a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and pollution.
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Sales of electric car models dropped by almost a third in Europe
PAUnder the new plans, the group will build two new compact cars, one from VW and one from Cupra, in addition to two small SUVs with VW and Skoda taking part in the development.
The world premiere of the cheaper £17,000 electric car is expected for 2027, while the brand said it would introduce cars for under £21,275 (€25,000) as early as next year.
It is hoped that the measures to make electric vehicles cheaper for consumers will lead to a boost in sales and interest from drivers amid recent concerns.
Data has shown that sales of its electric vehicles have dropped by around one-third in the United States and by 23 per cent across Europe.
Over the three-month period, the carmaker managed to sell 74,400 EVs across Europe compared with 98,300 in the same period the previous year.
The drive for more electric cars comes as the UK Government accelerates its plans to have 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans sold to be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100 per cent by 2035.
Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, said the brand was focused on entry-level electric mobility from Europe for Europe.
In doing so, the 55-year-old explained that it combines a “clear commitment” to Europe as an industrial location and ultimately acts in the interests of European customers.
Meanwhile, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen and head of the brand group core, said the “future is electric”.
In order for electromobility to become “widespread and attractive” vehicles are needed, especially in the entry-level segment, he added.
Schäfer said that despite the “attractive price”, the vehicles will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality, and customer experience.
He added: “This task has become more demanding due to rising energy, material, and raw material costs.
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VOLKSWAGEN“One thing is clear: electromobility from Europe for Europe can only succeed with political support and competitive framework conditions.”