Volkswagen steers towards plug-in hybrids, promising 100km leaps

Volkswagen is revising its strategy to prioritize plug-in hybrids capable of covering approximately 100 kilometres, a distance that outpaces the growth of electric vehicles in Europe at the start of the year.

According to Managing Director Thomas Schäfer, expanding Volkswagen's selection of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) is essential, noting a solid demand for these vehicles in the United States and China.

PHEVs are viewed as an intermediary step between traditional combustion engines and fully electric models. "Hybrids were a thing of the past. Last year, if you asked the same question, it would have been: 'Forget hybrids, it's expensive technology, it's not worth it.' Within the last six months, all of a sudden everyone wants hybrids," Schäfer shared with Autocar.

While the company remains committed to fully electrifying its lineup, not all models will feature plug-in hybrid options. Instead of designing an entirely new powertrain, efforts will focus on enhancing the existing 1.5-litre engine-based system.

Notably, Ford and Mercedes have also recently adjusted their European strategies, signalling the continued integration of combustion engines in their offerings.