EVwire brief: Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has confirmed that the long-awaited electric Golf will not arrive until the end of the decade.
Previous reports had suggested that the vehicle, thought to be called the ID Golf, would be released in 2028.
Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car conference in London, Schäfer said Volkswagen's current EV lineup is strong enough that an electric Golf isn't urgently needed by 2028.
We have a fantastic line-up now that we do not need an electric Golf in 2028. We are well set with what we have in our portfolio with our vehicles.
Context:
Volkswagen's existing EV range is set to expand further this year with the ID Polo, updated ID 3 Neo, and incoming ID Cross.
Schäfer's comments suggest VW wants those newer models to establish themselves in the market before launching an electric version of one of its most iconic nameplates.
The delay is also tied to the slower-than-expected rollout of Volkswagen Group's next-generation SSP platform, which will underpin future EVs across its brands.
Previous reports had suggested that an electric Golf would be coming in 2028
The architecture introduces 800-volt electrical systems, updated battery technology, and a new software stack developed in partnership with Rivian.
Originally slated to arrive this year, the platform has been pushed back, with the first vehicles now expected no earlier than 2028.
The future electric Golf is expected to be produced at VW's Wolfsburg factory, while production of the combustion-powered Golf will shift to Mexico.
The electric Golf, when it does enter production, will be built at VW’s home turf
Volkswagen prioritizes scale and profitability for next-generation EV platform
The Volkswagen CEO confirmed that the group’s premium brands will get the SSP platform first.
"It will start with Audi, then Porsche, then us (VW)," Schäfer said.
He acknowledged the development has taken longer than expected, largely because Volkswagen is chasing large-scale cost efficiency and stronger EV profitability while also responding to intensifying competition from Chinese automakers.
You have to have scale in this game or you'll never make margin parity.
On that note, Jaan’s joke back in 2024, which was posted on X after the Rivian R2 and R3/R3X’s’s unveiling, almost seems prescient.
Funny then. A little less funny now that VW actually needs Rivian's software to build the real thing.
I’m also putting on a tin foil hat here, but Volkswagen did just become Rivian’s biggest stakeholder, owning 15.9% of the company. Plus, look at that R3X. It’s just begging for a Golf badge (I’m kidding of course).
Source: Autocar UK
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