“Volkswagen” means “people’s car”. This brand has survived war, oil crises, “dieselgate”, and now stands on the brink of the biggest transition — from internal combustion engines to electricity and autonomous driving. What will Volkswagen be like in 10-20 years? Will it maintain its “people’s” status or become a niche producer for the wealthy? We analyze strategies, technologies, and forecasts.

Full Transition to Electricity

By 2030, Volkswagen plans that 80% of sales in Europe will be electric cars. The ID family (ID.3, ID.4, ID. Buzz) has already expanded. By 2026, ID.2 will be released — a budget electric car priced at about 25,000 euros. This is an attempt to regain the title of “people’s”. Unlike the expensive ID.3, the new model will have a simpler finish but a modern battery. By 2035, VW will completely stop producing internal combustion engine vehicles in Europe (except for commercial vehicles). The transition in China and the US will be more gradual.

Next-Generation Batteries

Volkswagen is investing billions in solid-state batteries (solid-state). The joint venture with QuantumScape promises batteries that charge to 80% in 12 minutes and do not explode upon impact. The first serial solid-state batteries will appear in 2027-2028. By 2030, energy density will double, and the price will fall by 50%. This will make electric cars cheaper than gasoline ones. A range of 700-800 km will become the norm. Volkswagen is also building six “gigafactories” in Europe to be independent of China.

Autonomous Driving: From Assistance to Full Freedom

By 2026, Volkswagen will implement a level three autonomous driving system (conditional) in ID. Buzz for commercial transportation. The driver can watch a movie, but must take over control on request. By 2030, level four (highly automated) is expected on sedans and crossovers. This will allow sleeping in the car on the highway. VW is developing its own chip for processing data from cameras and lidars. In the future, you will be able to send your car for pizza or pick up your child from school.

Digital Cockpit and “Sensing” Suspension

The interior of the future is full-width screens, voice control with artificial intelligence, learning driver preferences. But the most important thing is the adaptive suspension that communicates with urban infrastructure (Car-to-X). The car learns about a pothole from the car ahead and softens the impact. Or receives a signal about a traffic jam and reroutes. The interior will be modular: seats can be swiveled, folded into a flat floor for camping.

New Family: ID.2 and ID.1

After the success of ID.3 (golf class) and ID.4 (crossover), VW is preparing cars for those who don’t need frills. ID.2 (hatchback) — a competitor to Renault 5 and Tesla Model 2. Range 450 km, power 170-200 hp. Price — 25,000 euros. Launch in 2026. ID.1 (budget microcar) — even smaller, price about 20,000 euros, range 300 km. Production is likely in Spain or Turkey. The main task is to win the market back from Chinese electric cars (BYD, MG).

Transformation of Cult Models: Golf, Transporter

Golf is a legend. But in the era of electric cars, the ninth generation Golf will be electric. Production will continue, but from 2028. The design will be nostalgic but with futuristic elements. Transporter (also known as T7) will become electric, retaining the modular design. Plans even include a fully autonomous Transporter for city deliveries without a driver. Diesel versions will only be sold in third-world countries. The Beetle (Beetle) may return as an electric retro car, but it’s just rumors.

Volkswagen and China: Battle for the Future

In China, VW is losing market share to local brands (BYD, Nio). Therefore, in 2026, Volkswagen launches the sub-brand “ID. Neo” — electric cars developed specifically for China, with local software and design. They will be cheaper and more technologically advanced than European models. At the same time, VW buys stakes in Chinese startups (Xpeng, Leapmotor) to gain access to charging platforms and batteries. Europeans and Americans are unlikely to see these models — too different markets.

Environmental Footprint: Carbon-Neutral Production

Volkswagen promises to make all of its factories carbon-neutral by 2030 (the plant in Zwickau already operates on renewable energy). Batteries are recycled (up to 90% of materials). Eco-leather, recycled plastic in the interior. By 2050, complete carbon neutrality. This is marketing, but also real changes. Future customers will not only choose price but also environmental friendliness.

Volkswagen of the future is not just cars. They are mobile devices, part of a smart city. If the company manages the transition, it will remain a giant. If not, it will be eaten by the Chinese. But so far, the odds are 50/50.

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