VW will build 4,000 ID4 vehicles a week in Emden after investing ($1.07 billion) into the factory.
BERLIN -- Volkswagen has started production of the ID4 full-electric SUV at its plant in Emden, Germany.
The automaker has invested 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion) converting the plant to manufacture electric cars and will build 4,000 ID4 vehicles a week once the startup phase and summer holiday is over, VW said in a statement.
The plant’s maximum production capacity by the end of 2022 will be 800 units per working day, depending on the supply situation, VW said.
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The plant currently builds the Passat and Arteon midsize combustion engine cars. Production of those models will continue until the Passat is replaced by a new generation in 2024 that will by produced by Skoda alongside the Superb in Skoda's plant in Kvasiny, Czech Republic.
The Arteon will be replaced by the Aero B full-electric, coupe-styled sedan that will go onto production in Emden next year.
As part of the overhaul of the factory, VW added six production halls and five conveyor bridges, as well as logistics buildings spanning about 125,000 square meters.
The ID4 is VW brand's best-sellling all-electric car with 163,000 sold since its launch in early 2021 and more than 30,000 delivered in the first quarter.
VW is expanding production of electric vehicles in worldwide.
Emden joins VW's Zwickau and Hanover plants in Germany and its Chinese plants in Anting and Foshan as EV production locations. Output of the ID4 for the U.S. market will start in VW's Chattanooga factory in the fall.
Next year Wolfsburg will be added as a production site for the ID3 compact electric hatcback and the company is also building a new factory in Wolfsburg for its Trinity electric flagship.
