Despite its commitment to electric vehicles, Volkswagen has faced challenges in selling them in the United States. In May of the previous year, the German automaker decided to postpone the North American release of the ID.7 sedan, already available in Europe since 2023, which is intended to replace the Passat and Arteon models. Citing “current market conditions” as the reason, Volkswagen provided only a brief statement on the delay.
The company’s sales figures reveal a significant decrease in sales of the ID.4 SUV, with just 17,021 units sold, marking a 55% decline from the previous year’s sales of 37,789 units.
In an effort to adapt to the decreasing demand for electric vehicles, Volkswagen plans to launch a new series of hybrid vehicles featuring a gas-electric hybrid engine, according to a report by British publication Autocar. In Europe, the automaker already offers hybrid versions of popular models like the Golf, Tiguan, Passat, and Touareg. These include both plug-in hybrids, which require external charging, and 48-volt mild hybrids that utilize an electric generator in place of a traditional starter motor and alternator.
A source speaking with Autocar indicated that Volkswagen’s forthcoming powertrain will resemble traditional hybrid setups, such as those found in Toyota Prius models, and won’t require plugging in like electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. The system will include a gas engine, an electric motor, and a battery capable of supporting short-distance electric driving. The hybrid system will be powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with varying power outputs ranging from 201 to 268 horsepower.
The Autocar report mentions that this hybrid system will debut in the T-Roc, a model not available in the U.S. Nonetheless, Volkswagen had previously announced plans to introduce plug-in hybrid models to the U.S. market. Former VW Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si had mentioned that the technology could be adapted for any Volkswagen model destined for the hybrid market in the U.S. He acknowledged the demand from dealers and consumers and alluded to promising developments in the product portfolio, which he intended to discuss with the internal team and dealers.
