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Volkswagen planning electric versions for all cars by 2030

German giant latest to embrace electric

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Volkswagen logo
Volkswagen logo

The world’s biggest carmaker, Volkswagen, has become the latest manufacturer to move away from petrol and diesel models, announcing that it’ll offer electric versions of all 300 of its models by 2030.

The company, seeking to put the diesel emissions scandal behind it, is set to double investment in zero-emission vehicles to €20bn (£18bn).

Speaking at the Frankfurt motor show, Volkswagen chief Matthias Mueller told the BBC the firm had “got the message”.

“Customers want clean vehicles. People want to have clean air, and we want to make our contribution here,” he said.  He added that VW couldn’t drop combustion engines entirely just yet, as the infrastructure for electric vehicles isn’t in place.  “There will be a coexistence between internal combustion engines and electric drive systems for a certain period – I can’t tell you how long that will be.” he said.

The news comes as Mercedes-Benz also promised electric versions of its entire range, with chief Dieter Zetsche declaring the company would deliver either electric or hybrid versions of all its models by 2022.  Meanwhile, BMW is unveiling its first electric Mini today, due to go on sale in 2019.

Both the UK and France have already announced plans to ban new diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040, as part of efforts to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.