Volkswagen’s ambitious goal of producing 200 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity by 2030 is now under reconsideration, according to Thomas Schmall, the company’s head of batteries. Speaking to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS), Schmall acknowledged that the target is not “set in stone” and that future production would depend heavily on the development of the electric vehicle (EV) market.
While the carmaker had initially set a goal of reaching up to 240 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity by the end of the decade, the revised target now stands at 200 gigawatt-hours, primarily through its battery subsidiary, PowerCo. Volkswagen had planned to build six battery factories across Europe by 2030. However, Schmall’s latest comments indicate that this goal may be re-evaluated as the company monitors consumer demand for EVs.
“Building battery cell factories is not an end in itself,” Schmall emphasised. He suggested that the expansion of new factories would only proceed if market conditions for electric vehicles justify it. So far, PowerCo has confirmed the construction of three plants: one in Valencia, Spain, another in Ontario, Canada, and a third in Salzgitter, Germany. These facilities have a combined capacity of up to 170 gigawatt-hours, but the potential to expand remains on the table.
Schmall’s remarks come amid uncertainty about whether Volkswagen will follow through with additional battery plants, particularly one under consideration in Eastern Europe. The decision on whether to expand the existing plants in Spain and Canada or build new ones is still pending, with no clear timeline for a final resolution.
As the global demand for EVs continues to fluctuate, Volkswagen is cautiously navigating its battery production strategy, ensuring that its capacity matches the evolving market while remaining flexible in its future investments.
