German automaker Volkswagen has confirmed its plans to launch the ID.4 electric SUV in India this year. The vehicle will be imported via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route to test consumer readiness. Reports also suggest the Volkswagen is looking for a partner in India for their electric vehicle business and have already initiated talks with the JSW Group for a potential partnership.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, stated that electrification is one of the priorities which will play out in the country in three stages. Initially, VW will bring some cars from its global portfolio, including the ID.4.
“That’s a market introduction and testing of the market to see how our portfolio fits,” Gupta said. The second part, through parts and components, involves local assembly for economies of scale and increased volumes. The third phase, planned for 2026, is local electrification, as scaling up electrification involves localization.
Globally, the ID.4 is offered with a range of powertrains including single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The GTX variant packs 299 BHP and is powered by a 77 kWh battery pack. VW claims it can cover up to 480 km on a single charge. The ID.4 will be the first electric vehicle in India under the Volkswagen badge.
Electric vehicles are expected to comprise 18-30% of new car sales by the end of this decade. By 2030, it is estimated that around 1 million EVs will be sold every year.
Volkswagen has been evaluating the ID.4 for India since 2020. The pricing and availability details of the ID.4 electric car will be disclosed at the time of its launch.