Volkswagen Weighs Range-Extended EVs for SUVs and Sedans

Overview

• Bloomberg reported that VW is studying adding range extenders to high‑volume sport-utility vehicles and sedans for Europe and the United States, citing people familiar with the matter.
• Volkswagen confirmed it is monitoring market developments and has reserved the range‑extender concept for a future platform, stating that availability will be determined by demand.
• The evaluation is being folded into VW’s next five‑year investment plan, with investment details expected in March next year, according to Bloomberg.
• Recent setbacks frame the review, including the cancellation of ID.7 sales in the U.S., heavy discounting on the ID. Buzz, and the absence of any VW‑brand hybrids currently on sale in the U.S. despite plans for two non‑plug‑in hybrids.
• Industry momentum for range‑extended models is building, with VW affiliate Scout planning such versions of the Terra and Traveler, Stellantis preparing Jeep and Ram variants, and Ford’s CEO highlighting cost benefits from smaller batteries.