1.5M
606km
€1B+
€20,000
From Zero to 1.5 Million: The ID. Revolution Takes Shape
Five years after the first ID.3 rolled off production lines in September 2020, Volkswagen has emerged as Europe's undisputed electric vehicle leader, topping registration charts across the continent. The symbolic 1.5 millionth vehicle—a sleek black ID.7 Tourer Pro—was handed over to a customer from Vechta at the transformed Emden facility on August 15, 2025, with Lower Saxony's Minister President Olaf Lies and VW executives Martin Sander and Kai Grünitz present for the milestone moment.
The East Frisian facility stands as one of only three Volkswagen plants worldwide—alongside Zwickau and Dresden's Gläserne Manufaktur—dedicated exclusively to electric vehicle production. This complete metamorphosis from conventional manufacturing to pure EV production showcases Germany's industrial adaptability in the face of automotive disruption.
The ID. Family Dynasty: Evolution of an Electric Empire
Global Production Network: Manufacturing at Scale
Emden, Zwickau, Dresden, and Hanover facilities form the European backbone of ID. production, employing thousands and anchoring Germany's EV manufacturing leadership.
Chattanooga plant brings ID.4 production to North America, localizing supply chains and qualifying vehicles for federal tax incentives.
Foshan, Changsha, and Anting facilities serve the world's largest EV market with locally adapted ID. variants tailored to Chinese consumer preferences.
Integrated battery production, localized component sourcing, and streamlined logistics networks support sustainable scaling of electric vehicle manufacturing.
"1.5 million ID. models delivered – this clearly shows that Volkswagen is a pioneer in the field of electromobility. This confirms that our portfolio contains the vehicles our customers need. As a company, we are on the right path."
Market Dynamics: The Commercial vs. Private Challenge
Despite topping European EV sales charts, Volkswagen faces a critical market imbalance: the vast majority of new electric vehicles are registered to commercial fleets benefiting from tax incentives, while private buyers remain hesitant. This disparity highlights the ongoing affordability and perception challenges facing the entire industry.
The ID.7 Tourer Phenomenon: Leading Germany's EV Charts
The ID.7 Tourer's emergence as Germany's best-selling electric vehicle in H1 2025 demonstrates surprising market appetite for premium electric estates. With its 606-kilometer range and practical wagon bodystyle, the model successfully converts traditional executive car buyers to electric mobility—a segment previously dominated by Tesla's Model S and Mercedes EQE.
Market Position: Combines traditional German wagon practicality with cutting-edge electric efficiency, targeting families and business users seeking zero-emission long-distance capability.
The Affordable Electric Future: ID.2all and ID. EVERY
Entry-level model targeting €20,000 price point aims to match conventional supermini pricing, potentially revolutionizing urban mobility accessibility.
Sub-€25,000 compact brings MEB platform efficiency to the crucial B-segment, competing directly with combustion Golf pricing.
"The goal is clear: Volkswagen wants to make electromobility accessible to everybody – affordable, reliable and sustainable."
Industry Implications: What This Means for European EVs
Volkswagen's 1.5 million milestone, achieved faster than Tesla's European operations, validates the traditional automaker transformation model. While startups grabbed early headlines, established manufacturers' production scale, dealer networks, and brand trust prove decisive in mainstream market penetration.
Competitive Landscape Shift: As Volkswagen accelerates toward 2 million ID. deliveries, competitors face increasing pressure. Stellantis struggles with platform delays, while Renault-Nissan's alliance restructuring slows their response. Meanwhile, Chinese brands like BYD and Xpeng intensify European expansion, setting up a three-way battle between legacy Europeans, American Tesla, and Chinese insurgents.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
"The ID.7 embodies the strength of Lower Saxony and is proof of the state's ability to transform. The entire Volkswagen team can take pride in these statistics."
What's Your Take? Is Volkswagen's ID. family living up to the electric revolution promise? Will the upcoming €20,000 models finally crack the private buyer market? Share your thoughts on Europe's EV transformation and whether traditional automakers or new entrants will ultimately win the electric race.
Related Reading: Explore the complete Volkswagen ID.3 specifications in our EV Catalog and discover all ID. family models with detailed technical data, range information, and pricing across European markets.
