While the Skoda Citigo and the Seat Mii are now available only as electric cars, the Volkswagen up is still available with an internal combustion engine. However, now half of its orders are for the electric version, which already counts with 20.000 orders in Germany during this year.

Here’s the press release.

Volkswagen is focussing on stepping up electric mobility and is significantly expanding its range of fully electric models and hybrids. Even before the launch of the new ID.3⁰⁴ this summer, the demand for electric mobility has considerably increased in Germany: already every second order for the up! model series is for the fully electric version, around 20,000 orders have been received. The GTE versions of the current Passat generation have also become increasingly more popular amongst buyers: Every seventh customer now opts for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The e-up! generates 61 kW (83 PS) has been launched in November 2019 and represents the new entry-level model to Volkswagen’s electric world. Compared with the predecessor, it offers a significantly increased range (up to 260 km in the WLTP cycle). Around 20,000 vehicles have been ordered already over the first three months of this year. The low running costs are the crucial purchasing argument: In Germany, its manufacturer suggested retail price (€21,975) is reduced by an environmental bonus (€6,570, both gross amounts) and the German insurance categories are favourable (liability category: 12, fully comprehensive category: 16). And no charges are incurred for road tax or engine oil changes for the e-up!.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) car sales are dropping, which means that automakers don’t need to sell as many electric cars this year as previously expected to comply with EU emissions regulations. However, if the Volkswagen ID.3 gets delayed – because of software problems -, Volkswagen will have to compensate by increasing sales of the e-Golf and e-up to avoid fines.

More info:

https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/increasing-demand-for-electric-mobility-in-germany-significant-growth-for-e-up-and-passat-gte-5932