Given the size and affordable price point of the e-up!, Volkswagen expects its smallest electric vehicle to steal sales away from more expensive models in higher segments. That’s right, ladies and gentlemen; Volkswagen is thinking about maximizing volume once again!
Another reason is maximizing profit. Stackmann claims “a normal combustion engine is just impossible to reach the required CO2 levels. So, in theory, you’d have to sell an electric car to compensate for the problem of an up! where the margin is already thin.” In other words, Wolfsburg is “focusing on the e-up! going forwards” to the detriment of internal combustion.
Isn’t it curious how the automaker who cheated emissions tests is now focused on electric vehicles? This change of heart shouldn’t come as a surprise given how stringent the legislators are with emissions regulations. For example, the 2020 Range Rover Evoque with the D150 engine, front-wheel drive, and the six-speed manual is the only SUV in the premium compact segment that complies to the RDE2 emissions standards.
Stackmann highlights “the e-up! will not become part of VW’s new ID. range of electric vehicles” because Volkswagen can’t switch the car to the MEB vehicle architecture.
