Volkswagen EVs will use LFP batteries from 2026

All electric Volkswagens will move to an updated platform from next year, ushering in lithium ion phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry that promises to reduce costs.

The first to use this will be the ID 2 supermini, due next year. The reason is that it is cheaper to produce than NMC packs, is almost as energy dense and the batteries can recharge to 100 per cent without undue degradation over time.

After that, the rest of Volkswagen’s ID models will utilise this updated platform (MEB Plus), and adopt the LFP chemistry.

This type of battery pack is quickly becoming the one to have because technological developments have increased its range potential while preserving a cost advantage over NMC packs.

Tesla followed BYD in bringing the technology to mass production, with the Model 3 in China. Ford also went down the LFP route with the Mustang Mach-E and now other volume car makers like Volkswagen are embracing this technology. It isn’t subject to the thermal runaway afflicting NMC battery technology either.

Volkswagen CEO, Thomas Schäfer, told Autocar UK: “The upgrade to MEB Plus comes next year, and we will roll out the cell-to-pack battery systems with LFP.

“That will be a major step forward in terms of cost for us. It’s very important, and also in performance.

“We will come in with MEB Plus across the models, including ID 3, ID 4, ID 7. They will have LFP.

“In the volume game, LFP is the technology.”

The LFP batteries are built at Volkswagen Group’s new factory in Salzgitter, Germany. It will continue to make the existing NMC packs until they’re phased out.

While no LFP specifications are yet to hand, there is potential for the EVs to gain range while price falls. Well, to gain range at any rate.

This technological overhaul will be accompanied by a design refresh of Volkswagen’s ID line-up.

R&D boss Kai Grunitz said last year this redesign will bring “huge improvements” that show Volkswagen is “going back to where we came from”.

The new look is key to that. “Design is your first touchpoint. That’s what excites people.” 

He added that the question of whether it is electric or petrol doesn’t matter with an iconic car.