The investment of about €1 billion ($1.13 billion) will result in manufacturing capacity for 300,000 BEVs
Volkswagen has started the conversion of its plant in Emden, Germany to expand production from conventional and plug-in hybrid models to also include all-electric MEB-based Volkswagen ID.4 from 2022.
The plant is engaged in Passat and Arteon models (including Volkswagen Passat GTE) and the production of those will continue, unlike Zwickau, which went all-electric.
At a later point, Volkswagen Group will add more all-electric cars, but it is not saying which one and how many models in total.
“Emden is to be the first plant in Lower Saxony where large volumes of electric vehicles will be produced. The new all-electric compact SUV ID.4 is to start production there in 2022 and will be followed by other all-electric models later. The production of the Passat sedan and estate, the Arteon and the new Shooting Brake will continue for a transitional period of several years.”
The manufacturing capacity for electric cars will be gradually increased from 0 to 300,000 annually, through a €1 billion ($1.13 billion) investment.
The key elements of the investment are a new assembly hall for BEVs, expanded press shop and body shop, and a new high-bay shelving unit and an automated small parts warehouse.
“The core of the conversion project is the construction of a new factory hall with an area of almost 50,000 square meters where only electric vehicles will be assembled. The press shop and body shop are also to be expanded by 23,000 square meters. The paint shop is to be modernized and a new “bi-color hall” with an area of 6,000 square meters is to be constructed for painting vehicle roofs black. The two-color paintwork is one of the trademarks of the ID. family. In addition, a new high-bay shelving unit and an automated small parts warehouse are planned. The buildings are expected to be completed by the summer of 2021.”
Volkswagen Group already listed several plants for BEV production in Germany: Zwickau, Emden, Hanover, Zuffenhausen and Dresden.
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