Source: AutoInfo
According to foreign media reports, the Volkswagen brand plans to strengthen the supply of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in response to the slowdown in demand for pure electric vehicles.
Volkswagen’s Chief Executive Thomas Schafer said in an interview on the sidelines of an auto industry conference in London on May 8 that expanding the plug-in hybrid vehicle portfolio is one of Volkswagen’s current priorities.
“Consumers now want plug-in hybrids, including consumers in China and the United States,” Schafer said. In addition, sales of plug-in hybrids in Europe grew faster than electric vehicles earlier this year.
Image source: Volkswagen
In the Chinese market, where local brands dominate, Volkswagen has been adjusting its electric vehicle strategy after experiencing model delays and lagging behind. Last year, Volkswagen canceled plans to build a €2 billion ($2.2 billion) plant in Germany dedicated to electric vehicles.
Schafer revealed that VW’s latest hybrid technology, which is used in models such as the Passat and Tiguan, has a pure electric range of more than 100 kilometers. “But now you have to think further,” he says. How can we make it more cost-effective? How do we get there? We’re working on it.”
As growth in electric vehicles slows, automakers are turning to traditional powertrains to defend sales and market share. Toyota, for example, has been benefiting from a surge in global demand for hybrid cars; Mercedes-Benz Group also said earlier on May 8 that it would extend sales of internal combustion engine cars amid disappointing sales of electric vehicles.
