Volkswagen Group makes 5 MM electric drive units

9 February 2026, 13:59:16

The Volkswagen Group has reached a major milestone in its transition toward electric mobility, announcing the production of five million electric drive units across its global manufacturing network. The achievement reflects the growing strength of the Group's technology and production alliance, with plants in Győr, Kassel, Tianjin and Zuffenhausen contributing to the rapid scale-up. Volkswagen Group Components continues to play a central role in this expansion, highlighted by the Kassel plant's 24% YoY increase in electric drive output in 2025, surpassing 850,000 units.

At the heart of this success is the APP550 electric drive, currently the Group's most widely used motor. Installed in models from Volkswagen's ID. family, the Škoda Enyaq, and the CUPRA Tavascan, the APP550 has now reached one million units produced at Kassel alone. The drive system sets new standards in the Group's volume segment, delivering significant gains in efficiency, performance, and acoustics.

Despite maintaining the same dimensions as its predecessor, the APP550 consumes roughly 20% less energy while boosting torque by about 75% and power by around 40%. In series production, the APP550 delivers up to 240 kW and 560 Nm, supported by a combined oil and water cooling system that optimizes temperature control without the need for an additional pump. The model's success underscores Volkswagen's commitment to high-quality engineering and manufacturing across its global operations.

Volkswagen Group's integrated development network oversees the entire lifecycle of its electric drive systems, from engineering and industrialization to power electronics and logistics. Centers of expertise such as the Kassel plant are instrumental in bringing key technologies - including electric drives and pulse inverters - into large-scale production.

In a further step toward technological independence, the Group is preparing to introduce its own pulse inverter for future electric drive systems. Developed by Volkswagen Group Components, the new inverter is expected to shorten development cycles, reduce costs, and strengthen production autonomy across multiple brands. Its use of silicon carbide semiconductors in the upcoming APP290 electric motor will offer tangible benefits for the Electric Urban Car Family, which includes models such as the ID. Polo, Škoda Epiq, and CUPRA Raval. The APP290, developed and manufactured within the Group, is planned in several performance levels ranging from 85 kW (116 PS) to 166 kW (226 PS) and operates on 400V technology. The new system is designed to enhance range and everyday driving performance, reinforcing Volkswagen’s strategy of delivering efficient and accessible electric mobility.

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