meb

After a meeting of the Volkswagen Group's supervisory board late last week, the automaker confirmed it was increasing its average annual spend on developing electric, hybrid and digital technologies by around 36 per cent from €8.8 billion ($14.3 billion) to €12 billion ($19.5 billion). As part of Volkswagen's latest five-year plan, it will increase spending on EV development to €6.6 billion ($10.7 billion) annually.

A development prototype believed to be the production version of Skoda's first electric vehicle has been spied at the Nurburgring this week, ahead of a likely debut later next year. "But, wait. It's a Volkswagen Tiguan!" However, this particular Tiguan has been stretched slightly and is wearing stickers that indicate it's running an electric powertrain – we already know Volkswagen is only doing standalone 'ID.' electric vehicles from now on, so this isn't previewing an electric Tiguan.

Solid-state batteries are high on the list of priorities for carmakers, given they promise to unlock more range from electric vehicles in a more stable, lighter, compact package. Volkswagen knows the impact solid-state technology could have, and is working hard to match its Japanese competitors in the field.

Audi will commence production of its new EV based on the Q4 e-tron concept later this year, with new reports claiming some output of all-electric crossover will come from China. Industry journal Automotive News Europe cites Chinese news website Sina.com, saying the Q4 e-tron – or whatever the market version is called – will be the first Audi model to be built at the SAIC-VW joint-venture's EV factory in Shanghai.

The Seat el-Born concept has been revealed ahead of its full debut at the 2019 Geneva motor show, which takes place next week, and looks almost ready for production. Equipped with a 62kWh battery pack, the el-Born has an estimated driving range of 420 kilometres based on the WLTP cycle. Using a compatible 100kW DC fast charger, the el-Born's battery can be topped up to 80 per cent within 47 minutes.