Volkswagen Launches' PEAK EV' Project to Bring Electric SUV to India by 2026

After years of studying the electric vehicle space in India, Volkswagen Group has launched a project codenamed "PEAK EV", which is likely to spawn multiple vehicles starting in 2026. The company has planned to introduce a myriad of vehicles starting in 2026. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, the group's flagship entity in the subcontinent, has decided to localise the MEB21G EV architecture independently. Earlier, there was a possibility of collaboration with Indian automotive company Mahindra for a small EV platform, but it was ultimately rejected.

The independent localisation can trigger the production of over half a million vehicles, including exports, from the Chakan plant. The primary focus will be on manufacturing entry- and mid-size SUVs. The first EV SUV, adorned with the Volkswagen badge, is expected to harness considerable volume potential for domestic and international markets.

Piyush Arora, the MD and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, emphasises the criticality of the Indian market for the company's growth. Arora outlined the company's strategic blueprint to introduce a blend of fully built-up units (FBUs) and locally manufactured EVs. Arora's vision indicates that the Volkswagen Group aims to achieve a 50% EV market share by 2030.