Driving down cost is essential to get people to buy into EVs, said Senger. “The reason electric vehicles are not selling exponentially, is because they cost more than a conventional car. Soon after 2020 they need to cost the same as a conventional car, or less. Cost reduction on MEB will come not just from volume production and scale of economy improving the cost of batteries (which account for 40% of an EV’s total cost), but by paring down costs throughout the vehicle. Costs in other areas of an MEB vehicle will be half that of the existing e-Golf. The rising cost of conventional cars will also bring cost parity. “The cost of combustion engine cars is rising because of emissions,” said Senger, adding that diesels will become less viable first, followed by petrol. Senger believes the EV market will ultimately have to stand on its own two feet without government incentives. “Subsidies are not sustainable,” he says. Senger acknowledges that in the future, dealers will have far less opportunity to make money from servicing and maintenance as there will be much less to do on electric cars compared to conventional cars.
He insists though, that the Volkswagen Group dealer networks will be looked after. “We believe are future is together with our dealers,” he says. Volkswagen will guarantee a minimum of 70% usable battery capacity for seven years and Senger says there are a number of options available when batteries get older. One is to change the battery, another is to swap out failing individual modules and another is the re-use of batteries for stationary energy storage, an area which Senger believes will become huge in the future. Senger expects that beyond 2025, batteries will be 97% recyclable with only 3% going for scrap. 11kW Wallbox chargers will be supplied with ID cars at a cost of €300. Volkswagen Group is also a partner with Ionity, together with Ford Europe, Daimler and BMW to develop high power charging networks across Europe. The plan is for 400 charge sites across Europe delivering 2,400 charge points per 70 miles by 2020, equating to an average of six charge points per site.
CPO vehicles must pass a 100-plus point inspection. Additional benefits like towing and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Volkswagen warranty page carefully. The model's original sale date determines whether it is eligible for the CPO program. Volkswagen’s CPO program isn’t particularly robust, according to our analysis. You’ll get better programs from Chevrolet, Honda, and Toyota. How Safe Is the Jetta? It also earned a perfect five-star rating for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s side crash test, and four stars for the frontal and rear crash tests. However, a lack of safety equipment causes this VW to come up short in comparison to numerous rivals. For example, about half of all small cars have a standard rearview camera, but you’ll only get one in the Jetta’s 1.4T S w/ Technology trim level and above. An active safety equipment package (which adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert) is only available in the 1.8T SEL trim. Which Is Better: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta or 2016 Honda Civic?
The 2016 Honda Civic is the clear choice over the Jetta. Honda upgraded the Civic’s interior during its 2016 redesign, adding plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. A rearview camera, Bluetooth, and automatic climate control are all standard. The Civic won our 2016 Best Compact Car for the Money award and had first-rate scores for safety. It also has excellent fuel economy ratings. Which Is Better: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta or 2016 Mazda3? The 2016 Mazda3 is one of the most thrilling performers in the compact car class, with sporty handling and sharp steering to help you make the most of curvy back roads. It also has a polished interior with comfortable seats and top-notch materials. All that combined with its lower total ownership costs makes the Mazda3 a better choice than the Jetta. Which Is Better: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta or 2016 Volkswagen Golf? The hatchback-style 2016 Volkswagen Golf is fun to drive. Its base engine is quicker off the line than the Jetta's, and it has agile, responsive handling.
