VW’s Trinity Flagship EV Delayed Until 2032, but More EVs Are Coming

Introduction

The highly anticipated flagship Trinity EV from the VW Group, initially scheduled to launch much earlier, may now face a delay until 2032. This setback comes as VW Group CEO Oliver Blume reallocates product launch investments to optimize benefits for the car manufacturer. As a result, the Trinity EV will be assembled at VW’s EV factory in Zwickau, instead of a new factory near VW’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Trinity EV Launch Delayed

Former VW Group CEO Herbert Diess approved the Trinity EV project, which is set to feature an advanced electric powertrain and Level 4 self-driving technologies. However, when Blume assumed the top position, he pushed back the car’s launch by two to three years. This delay allows for a longer utilization period of VW’s MEB platform, used for its ID models, and the more advanced PPE architecture employed by Porsche and Audi.

Upcoming EVs from VW

While the Trinity EV faces a significant delay, VW has several other electric vehicles in the pipeline. An upgraded MEB+ version of the existing platform is set to launch in 2026. Additionally, the PPE architecture will receive a significant software upgrade through VW’s new deal with Rivian. This software enhancement will benefit future PPE-based EVs from Porsche and Audi.

First Model Under SSP

Instead of the Trinity EV, an all-electric Golf will become the first VW model to utilize the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). Its launch has been brought forward to 2029 or possibly even sooner. Following that, an electric A4 will be introduced at the end of 2028, also utilizing the SSP. Furthermore, VW has plans for at least two other EVs based on the SSP, including the successor to the ID.4 in 2030 and a new model called the T-Sport crossover in 2031.

Conclusion

Although the Trinity EV’s launch has been significantly delayed, VW remains committed to its electric vehicle strategy. The company has a lineup of upcoming EVs, including models based on the SSP and PPE architectures. With these developments, VW aims to establish a strong presence in the electric vehicle market and offer a diverse range of electric models to meet the evolving needs of consumers.