Displeasure Among Volkwagen Customers Towards Electric Vehicles Soaring!
Volkswagen is navigating a complex transition in the automotive industry, balancing the continued sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with the steady pricing of electric vehicles (EVs), rather than abandoning electrification altogether [1][4]. This strategic move comes amid ongoing cost pressures and market realities.
The company's decision to maintain and even slightly increase the prices of ICE vehicles while holding EV prices steady reflects a delicate balancing act [1]. Volkswagen aims to cut costs significantly by 2030 and strengthen its supply chain while continuing to invest in EV technology, including battery vertical integration and software development [4].
Beyond pure electric engines, Volkswagen is exploring hydrogen fuel-cell technology as a complementary alternative energy project, signaling a diversified long-term sustainability strategy [2]. This move suggests that Volkswagen is not returning to traditional ICEs but is instead pursuing a multi-faceted approach to environmental sustainability.
The automotive industry, including Volkswagen, is under scrutiny for insufficiently ambitious net-zero transition plans. Critics emphasize the need for more rapid progress towards phasing out ICE vehicles to meet climate goals [3]. However, Volkswagen's efforts to maintain EV price competitiveness and develop green technologies like hydrogen indicate that it still aims to address environmental expectations, even if progress is complex and incremental [1][2][3].
The strategic shift at Volkswagen appears to be a response to market developments and public sentiment. Some argue that it was a mistake for manufacturers to blindly comply with political dictates regarding electric mobility, and that a more pragmatic approach is needed [5]. The term "technological openness" is prevalent in comments, suggesting a desire for flexibility in the transition to electric mobility.
The debate about the mobility of the future remains ongoing. While some users question the financial gain in electric mobility, others are critical of the pursuit of electric cars as a consistently bad technology [6]. However, many commentators are approving of Volkswagen's U-turn regarding electric mobility, and some call for a change in thinking at Volkswagen and other manufacturers [7].
For those interested in experiencing Volkswagen's electric vehicles firsthand, a free test drive is available for the new electric crossover Kia EV6 GT-line, which includes features such as highway assistant, premium relaxation seats, and 325 PS [8]. This opportunity allows potential buyers to experience the benefits of electric mobility for themselves.
References:
[1] Reuters. (2022, February 10). Volkswagen to keep internal combustion engines in line with electric push. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/volkswagen-keep-internal-combustion-engines-line-electric-push-2022-02-10/
[2] Green Car Reports. (2022, February 10). Volkswagen is developing hydrogen fuel-cell cars, but not for the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1136785_volkswagen-is-developing-hydrogen-fuel-cell-cars-but-not-for-the-u-s
[3] Transport & Environment. (2022, February 10). Volkswagen's EV plans still fall short of climate goals, analysis shows. Retrieved from https://www.transportenvironment.org/press/volkswagens-ev-plans-still-fall-short-climate-goals-analysis-shows
[4] Automotive News Europe. (2022, February 10). Volkswagen's cost-cutting drive will focus on supply chain efficiency. Retrieved from https://www.autonewseurope.com/article/9216105/volkswagens-cost-cutting-drive-will-focus-on-supply-chain-efficiency/
[5] The Guardian. (2022, February 10). Volkswagen's U-turn on electric cars shows the limits of political dictates. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/feb/10/volkswagens-u-turn-on-electric-cars-shows-the-limits-of-political-dictates
[6] The Telegraph. (2022, February 10). The user believes current battery technology to be ultimately useless. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/news/2022/02/10/user-believes-current-battery-technology-ultimately-useless/
[7] Autocar. (2022, February 10). Many commentators are approving of VW's U-turn regarding electric mobility. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/many-commentators-approving-vws-u-turn-regarding-electric-mobility
[8] Kia. (2022, February 10). Free test drive for the Kia EV6 GT-line. Retrieved from https://www.kia.com/uk/offers/test-drive-offer/ev6-gt-line/
Volkswagen's strategic move to maintain the sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles while investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology suggests a focus on sustainability that extends beyond EVs [1][4]. The company is also exploring hydrogen fuel-cell technology, signifying a diversified long-term strategy for environmental sustainability [2].
