Volkswagen's Electric Vehicle Plans Face Setbacks as Two Major Models Are Allegedly Delayed | Carscoops

      A company insider has disclosed that Volkswagen's investments in electric vehicles (EVs) were intended for much greater production volumes than what has been realized.

      A recent report suggests that the highly anticipated ID. Golf and ID. Roc may experience delays.

      Volkswagen is planning multiple new EV models while also aiming to make substantial cost reductions.

      The postponement of these EVs could lead to a rescheduling of its planned factory upgrades.

      Volkswagen has been actively showcasing new EVs, such as the upcoming ID. Cross in concept form and confirming an all-electric Polo. However, behind the scenes, the situation appears less encouraging. Reports indicate that the launch of at least two upcoming models will be postponed due to production challenges, declining demand, and increasing cost pressures.

      First on the list of affected models are the ID. Roc and ID. Golf.

      The ID. Roc is anticipated to be the first model impacted by this delay. While Volkswagen has not officially verified this yet, the SUV is slated to be the inaugural vehicle on the new SSP platform, originally expected to debut in fall 2029. Unnamed insiders have informed Germany's Handelsblatt that its launch has been pushed to summer 2030. Similarly, the ID. Golf is also reportedly being delayed to around 2030, despite previous plans for a rollout later this decade.

      Insufficient funding is considered one of the primary reasons for this change in schedule. Volkswagen is preparing for a crucial meeting of its Supervisory Board to assess the production capacity of its global factories and to strategize financially for the next five years. The company managed to cut costs by €15 billion ($17.5 billion) last year, and plans for additional reductions this year are underway.

      As reported by Handelsblatt, Volkswagen is eager to invest billions in new platforms and factory retooling; however, it must carefully manage its available funds. One strategy involved relocating the production of the combustion-engine Golf from Wolfsburg, Germany, to a facility in Mexico by 2027, thereby clearing space for SSP-based EVs like the ID. Roc. This transition may also face delays.

      Consequently, Wolfsburg might not see EV production until at least 2028. Likewise, Volkswagen could delay its plans to move ID.3 and Cupra Born production from Zwickau to Wolfsburg, initially scheduled for 2027.

      An insider from the company has stated that electric vehicle sales have not met Volkswagen's expectations. “Although unit sales are rising, our initial investments were aimed at significantly higher volumes. We have significantly overinvested,” the insider informed the German publication.