Volkswagen will start exporting electric vehicles produced in China to Europe, starting in 2024.
VW confirmed the move late last week, revealing that the Cupra brand will start building the Tavascan at its joint venture factory in Anhui, China operated alongside JAC.
“The Anhui factory was the plant with the right capacity and technology at the time of production planning,” VW noted.
In selling Chinese-built electric vehicles in Europe, Volkswagen will join Tesla, BMW, and Renault which do the same with the Model 3, iX3, and Dacia Spring respectively. Bloomberg notes that PwC anticipates car manufacturers will soon sell 800,000 vehicles built in China throughout Europe.
Read: Cupra Tavascan Concept Is Full Of Drama As Brand Looks To Distance Itself From SEAT
The Cupra Tavascan was previewed as a concept back in 2019 but will not hit the market until the 2024 model year. The electric SUV will be based on VW’s MEB platform and is expected to feature a pair of electric motors that combine to deliver 302 hp. These motors will be fed by a 77 kWh battery pack, and the EV should be able to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds and travel as much as 280 miles (450 km) with a full charge on the WLTP cycle.
While these figures are virtually identical to the ID.4 and ID.5 GTX models, the Tavascan wants to stand out with a much more dramatic look very close to that of the original concept.
The concept made an immediate impression at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019 thanks to the aggressive front fascia dominated by carbon fiber and two large air intakes. It also rocks sharp LED headlights, a dramatic roof line, and a tall rear-end with LED taillights, an LED lightbar, and a carbon fiber bumper.
