VW Delays Production of Key Electric Models Amid Challenges

The shift towards electric mobility continues to pose significant challenges for the automotive industry, with Volkswagen (VW) announcing a postponement of the production start for its electric models ID.Roc and ID.Golf until 2030. This delay comes as part of a broader struggle within the German automotive sector to transition to electric vehicles efficiently.

According to reports, multiple sources familiar with the situation revealed that the decision was influenced by several factors, including increased cost pressures and unresolved production issues. VW had initially planned to launch these models much earlier, but ongoing challenges have necessitated this significant delay.

At the recent International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, VW showcased an extensive lineup of electric compact cars, indicating the company's commitment to entering the affordable electric vehicle market. The company aims to attract customers with its upcoming ID.Polo, set to debut in the first half of 2026, with an expected starting price of EUR24,990 and a range exceeding 400 kilometers.

In addition to the ID.Polo, VW is reportedly rebranding its entire lineup of ID models, with changes planned for future generations rather than current models. This strategy aims to streamline the brand's electric offerings, with plans for the ID.1 to potentially be renamed as the Up, and the ID.2X to become the ID.Cross. The launch of the ID.Golf and ID.Passat is anticipated in the next two to three years.

Furthermore, the previously scheduled production of the ID.Golf from the Wolfsburg plant has experienced another setback. Originally set to commence by 2028, this timeline has been pushed back due to the aforementioned cost challenges and lower than expected sales of electric vehicles. This delay is also expected to impact the operational capacity of VW's facilities, notably affecting the timeline for relocating the combustion engine Golf production to Mexico.

The ID.3 model, which was expected to transition to the main plant in Niedersachsen by 2027, will remain in Zwickau for the time being, postponing Wolfsburg's transition to electric vehicle production until at least 2028. VW has opted not to comment on these developments, emphasizing that further details will be addressed in the upcoming planning meeting set to occur later this year.