“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 look like in 10-20 years? Can it maintain its “people’s” status or become a niche producer for the rich? We analyze strategies, technologies, and forecasts.

Full transition to electric power

By 2030, Volkswagen plans that 80% of sales in Europe will be electric vehicles. 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 around 25,000 euros. This is an attempt to regain the title of “people’s”. Unlike the expensive ID.3, the new model will get 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. A joint venture with QuantumScape promises batteries that charge to 80% in 12 minutes and do not explode on impact. The first series 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 vehicles 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 Level 3 autonomous driving (conditional) in ID. Buzz for commercial transportation. The driver can watch a movie, but must take over control on request. By 2030, Level 4 (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 LiDAR. In the future, you will be able to send a car to order pizza or pick up a child from school.

Digital cockpit and “sensing” suspension

The interior of the future is full-width screens, voice control with artificial intelligence, learning the driver’s preferences. But the main thing is the adaptive suspension that communicates with urban infrastructure (Car-to-X). The car learns about the pothole from the vehicle 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 do not need frills. ID.2 (hatchback) — a competitor to Renault 5 and Tesla Model 2. Range of 450 km, power 170-200 hp. Price — 25,000 euros. Launch on the market — 2026. ID.1 (budget microcar) — even smaller, price about 20,000 euros, range of 300 km. Production is likely in Spain or Turkey. The main task is to win back the market from Chinese electric vehicles (BYD, MG).

Transformation of iconic models: Golf, Transporter

Golf is a legend. But in the era of electric vehicles, the ninth generation Golf will be electric. Production will be maintained, but starting from 2028. The design will be nostalgic, but with futuristic elements. Transporter (also known as T7) will become electric, retaining the modular structure. Plans even for 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 rumors so far.

Volkswagen and China: a battle for the future

In China, VW is losing market share due to local brands (BYD, Nio). Therefore, in 2026, Volkswagen launches the sub-brand “ID. Neo” — electric vehicles developed specifically for China, with local software and design. They will be cheaper and more technologically advanced than European ones. At the same time, VW is buying 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 its factories carbon-neutral by 2030 (the plant in Zwickau is already operating 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 real changes. Future buyers will not only choose price but also environmental sustainability.

The future Volkswagen is not just cars. They are mobile devices, part of a smart city. If the company manages to navigate the transition, it will remain a giant. If not, it will be eaten by the Chinese. But for now, the odds are 50-50.

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