Volkswagen Begins Production of Affordable EVs as ID. Polo and Cupra Raval Enter Manufacturing
Volkswagen Group has officially launched series production of its next-generation affordable electric vehicles, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategy to bring lower-cost EVs to European consumers.
Production of the new Volkswagen ID. Polo and Cupra Raval has begun at the Martorell plant in Spain, transforming the facility into a key hub for Volkswagen’s future entry-level electric vehicle lineup.
The move signals the beginning of a new chapter for the automaker as it prepares to compete more aggressively in Europe’s rapidly evolving EV market.
Volkswagen’s Affordable EV Offensive Is Officially Underway
The ID. Polo and Cupra Raval are expected to become central pillars of Volkswagen Group’s effort to offer more accessible electric vehicles across Europe.
Initially, both models will be produced with larger battery packs aimed at maximizing range and market appeal. More affordable versions with smaller batteries are expected to arrive later, helping lower the entry price for consumers.
The ID. Polo will serve as Volkswagen’s compact entry-level electric model, while the Cupra Raval will target buyers looking for a sportier interpretation of the same platform.
Both vehicles share Volkswagen Group’s new MEB Entry architecture, also known as MEB Small, a dedicated EV platform engineered specifically to reduce manufacturing costs and improve affordability.
Martorell Factory Underwent a Massive Transformation
To prepare for electric vehicle production, SEAT invested heavily in modernizing the Martorell facility over the past several years.
Approximately 160,000 square meters of production space were redesigned and upgraded to accommodate EV manufacturing.
Key improvements include:
- Installation of 1,000 new industrial robots
- Modernized body assembly processes
- New-generation stamping systems
- Dedicated battery assembly operations
- A 600-meter automated bridge connecting battery production to the main assembly line
The factory’s conversion represents one of the largest industrial transformations in SEAT’s history.
Four New Electric Vehicles Are Planned
The Martorell project extends beyond the ID. Polo and Cupra Raval.
SEAT and Cupra are also leading development efforts for two additional affordable EVs:
- Volkswagen ID. Cross
- Skoda Epiq
While the hatchback models will be built in Martorell, production of the ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq is expected to take place at Volkswagen’s Navarra factory in Spain.
The four vehicles form the foundation of Volkswagen Group’s next-generation affordable EV portfolio.
SEAT Takes on a New Leadership Role Within Volkswagen Group
The project represents a significant milestone for SEAT itself.
For the first time in the brand’s history, SEAT is leading the technical development of a vehicle platform within the Volkswagen Group ecosystem.
Beyond manufacturing responsibilities, the company will oversee future evolution and engineering improvements for the compact MEB Entry architecture.
This elevated role reflects Volkswagen Group’s confidence in SEAT and Cupra as critical players in the company’s electrification strategy.
Affordable EV Competition in Europe Is About to Intensify
Volkswagen’s push comes at a time when European automakers are facing increasing pressure from low-cost Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.
Models such as the ID. Polo, Cupra Raval, ID. Cross, and Skoda Epiq are expected to play a crucial role in helping European brands defend market share in the budget EV segment.
With production now underway, Volkswagen is moving closer to delivering the kind of affordable electric vehicles many analysts believe are essential for accelerating EV adoption across Europe.
The launch of these models could reshape competition in the entry-level electric vehicle market over the next several years.
