Press release, 10 February 2026
Volkswagen Group has announced that it has now produced over five million electric drive units globally, marking a significant landmark in its transition from internal combustion engines to electric mobility.
Why this matters: Electric drives (also known as electric motors or e-motors) are at the heart of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). They convert electrical energy into motion, and scaling up their production is critical for cost-effective, high-volume EV manufacturing. Reaching five million units underscores Volkswagen’s growing capacity and commitment to electrification across its global brand portfolio.
A new benchmark in drive technology
Central to this milestone is the advanced APP550 electric drive system — a highly efficient and powerful motor that has already reached one million units produced at Volkswagen’s Kassel components plant in Germany. Known for delivering up to 240 kW of power and 560 Nm of torque, the APP550 is featured in popular EVs such as the Volkswagen ID. family, Škoda Enyaq, and CUPRA Tavascan.
Compared with its predecessor, the APP550 not only improves performance and acceleration but also uses about 20 % less energy, contributing to better range and quieter operation — essential attributes as EV buyers become more discerning.
Built on a global production network
This achievement isn’t tied to just one factory — it spans multiple facilities, including sites in Győr (Hungary), Kassel and Zuffenhausen (Germany), and Tianjin (China). Such a diversified production network enables Volkswagen to meet regional demand efficiently and reinforces its role as a major player in the global EV race.
The Kassel plant itself stood out in 2025 by boosting electric drive output by nearly 24 % year-on-year, producing more than 850,000 units — a solid indicator of how production scale is accelerating.
Looking ahead — smarter and more independent
Volkswagen is also taking control of more of the technology that powers its EVs. One key example is the development of an in-house pulse inverter, which acts as the “brain” of the electric drivetrain by managing power flow and efficiency. Producing this component internally is expected to speed up development cycles, reduce costs, and decrease dependencies on external suppliers — all critical as competition heats up in the EV market.
These pulse inverters will pair with a range of future electric drive systems, including the APP290 motor designed for Volkswagen’s upcoming Electric Urban Car Family — a new generation of more affordable EVs that will broaden the brand’s electric-vehicle reach. Use of advanced materials like silicon carbide in these systems promises improved efficiency and range, especially in everyday driving situations.
What this means for EV adoption
Hitting five million electric drives produced is more than a number — it reflects how Volkswagen is scaling technology and production to meet rapidly expanding global EV demand. By strengthening its electric powertrain expertise, boosting production capabilities across continents, and innovating with in-house components, the Group is positioning itself to remain competitive in the electrified future of mobility.
