Once again, electric vehicle production at Volkswagen is facing setbacks. According to the Freie Presse, VW is expected to temporarily halt production on one of its two lines in Zwickau until December 1st due to delivery difficulties with a specific electric motor type.
On this production line, electric SUVs VW ID.4, VW ID.5, as well as Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron, are assembled. The report indicates that more than 1,000 of the approximately 8,000 factory workers are affected by the current production stoppage.
The background of the issue lies in the installation of a new, more powerful electric motor in the SUV models. However, the supply chain for this motor, manufactured at the VW plant in Kassel, is reportedly disrupted. Consequently, lower quantities of motors are being delivered to Zwickau than initially planned.
More powerful motors directed to ID.7 plant
According to the report, the available new motors are initially being sent to the Emden plant, where production of the electric flagship ID.7 is set to commence soon. The production of this model does not seem to be jeopardized by the restricted deliveries.
Meanwhile, operations continue as usual on the other production line in Zwickau, where VW produces the ID.3 and Cupra Born. These models still use the well-known 150 kW motor from Kassel, which is not facing any delivery issues.
Zwickau gears up for Trinity production
The VW Zwickau plant plays a crucial role in the corporation’s electric strategy. Starting from 2026, the electric flagship Trinity is set to roll off the assembly line here. Volkswagen plans to source components for Trinity’s new SSP platform from Saxony.
According to a report from Freie Presse, the Chemnitz motor plant is expected to supply thermal management for SSP models from 2028 onwards. Initial systems are slated to leave the facility in 2026 to secure the Trinity series production starting in 2028.
In June 2023, production was already scaled back at the VW Emden plant due to declining demand for a specific electric vehicle model.
READ MORE: Apple Faces Potential €14.3 Billion Tax Repayment as EU Court Reconsiders Favorable Ruling
