Volkswagen to Introduce New EV Platform and Cheaper Batteries from 2026
Volkswagen is planning a big change for its electric vehicles . Starting next year, the company will upgrade all its electric cars to a new platform. This new setup will include cheaper and more efficient batteries.
The first car to use the new platform will be the Volkswagen ID 2, set to launch in 2026. This model will feature a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, which is less expensive than the nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries used in Volkswagen’s current EV lineup.
Once the ID 2 hits the market, the rest of Volkswagen’s ID models will also move to the new platform, called MEB Plus. This means that cars like the ID 3, ID 4, and ID 7 will also get the cheaper LFP batteries.
LFP batteries are becoming more popular because they cost less and have improved range compared to older battery types. Tesla was one of the first companies to use LFP batteries in its Model 3 in China. Ford also adopted the technology for the Mustang Mach-E. Now, Volkswagen is joining the trend to reduce costs while maintaining performance.
Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer said: “The upgrade to MEB Plus comes next year, and we will roll out the cell-to-pack battery systems with LFP. That will be a major step forward in terms of cost for us. It’s very important, and also in performance.“
He added that the new technology would be introduced with the ID 2 and then expanded to other models.
“You can see this move towards LFP across the board, really, except for performance applications on the upper end. In the volume game, LFP is the technology.”
Volkswagen will produce the new LFP batteries at its Salzgitter factory in Germany. This facility will also continue making NMC batteries on a smaller scale until they are completely phased out.
Volkswagen has not yet shared details about the new battery specifications, but there is potential for improved range and lower prices. Besides the battery upgrade, Volkswagen will also introduce a new design for its ID lineup. This redesign aims to bring the brand back to its roots while offering “huge improvements,” according to R&D boss Kai Grunitz.
Volkswagen’s move to adopt cheaper and more efficient batteries reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry. With the MEB Plus platform, the company hopes to make its EVs more affordable and attractive to consumers.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!
