Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has taken the next step in its electric mobility strategy, which kicked off in 2020 with the launch of an electric-Golf test fleet.

The e-Golfs were used for research purposes and testing by motoring media, as well as Volkswagen dealers, in an effort to gain insights into the experiences of living with an electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa.

“It is important for us to conduct thorough research on EVs before introducing them in South Africa,” says VWSA passenger car brand head Steffen Knapp.

“With the e-Golf test fleet, we exposed hundreds of Volkswagen customers to EVs and over 90% of those customers indicated that they would consider buying an EV in future.

“This year, we also brought in a fleet of Volkswagen ID.3 vehicles, which were used for experiential events for corporate clients, dealers, as well as motoring media,” adds Knapp.

The ID brand refers to Volkswagen’s new-energy vehicles.

The ID.3 is a five-door hatchback.

The second phase of Volkswagen’s electromobility strategy in South Africa will see the introduction of an all-electric ID.4 test fleet next year.

The ID.4 is the crossover sibling of the ID.3. It offers ranges of up to 522 km.

“Most South African drivers currently prefer internal combustion engine cars,” notes Knapp.

“In order to be South Africa’s best-selling EV brand, we first need to educate our consumers by getting as many of them as possible to experience electric vehicles with the hope of changing perceptions.

“The introduction of the all-electric and best-selling ID.4 will assist us with gaining valuable insights, which will pave the way for Volkswagen to include EVs in the future product portfolio in South Africa.”

The ID.4, which is the current World Car of the Year, is the Volkswagen group’s best-selling electric model.

The third phase of VWSA’s electric mobility strategy will see the first fully electric Volkswagen vehicles going on sale in South Africa on a yet-to-be-announced date.