Volkswagen Prepares This Strategy After Sales Of Melempem Electric Cars

JAKARTA - Volkswagen is re-evaluating its electrification strategy after the performance of the ID Series line is far from initial expectations. The great hope that was pinned in the new era of electric vehicles after the Dieselgate scandal is now facing tough challenges.

ID.4 had opened the steps quite solidly, but the momentum quickly faded. Sales stalled, ID.7 marketing plans in the United States were canceled, while ID. Buzz also failed to meet the target.

The situation even forced Volkswagen to offer a drastic discount of nearly US$20,000, or equivalent to Rp333 million. As reported by VOI from Carscoops, Friday, December 12.

Amid these pressures, Volkswagen is reportedly considering a new strategy by presenting powertrains with an extended range for sedan models and crossovers in the European and United States markets. This option is part of an internal discussion towards the preparation of a five-year investment plan that will be introduced in March next year.

A company spokesperson told Bloomberg that Volkswagen is monitoring market developments and has kept concepts of increasing reach for their future EV platforms. He stressed that consumer demand will be the main determinant of when and where the technology will be released.

The trend of electric vehicles increasing their reach (range-ended EV) has indeed begun to resurface in the United States. Scoutes are preparing Terra and Travelers, while Stellantis plans a similar variant for Jeep Grand Wagoneer to Ram 1500.

Ford CEO Jim Farley also gave fresh air to this technology. According to him, the system has the reach of being able to provide EV experiences without anxiety about distance.

Furthermore, the solution allows manufacturers to offer electric vehicles that are fully comparable to ICE vehicles in terms of costs. The main advantage lies in the use of smaller and cheaper batteries, as small engine-assisted vehicles function as generators to extend travel distance.