Ford Partner VW Postpones EV Sedan Launch

While many other automakers were scaling back planned investments into electrification and even delaying the launch of new all-electric models, Volkswagen chose to remain pat for a rather long period of time, even doubling down on its EV ambitions as recently as February. However, the Ford partner and German automaker reversed course last week and admitted that it will pivot to hybrids in the short term, and now, VW has postponed the launch of one of its future EVs, too.

That model is the ID.7, which has been on sale in Europe since 2023, but won’t be launching in the U.S. or Canada as planned. VW didn’t disclose when the ID.7 may launch in North America, but cited changing market dynamics as the reasoning behind its decision, noting that the same model is at least enjoying strong demand and critical acclaim in Europe. However, at the same time, Volkswagen also recently put its planned, dedicated EV battery unit PowerCo on hold, too.

These moves come as the automotive industry deals with softening demand for EVs in general, though Ford began altering its strategy months ago to compensate. Aside from delaying the launch of a pair of planned all-electric models, The Blue Oval is now focusing on developing a low-cost EV platform and cheaper all-electric vehicles, as well as hybrids after chairman Bill Ford admitted that the company isn’t trying to force consumers to buy EVs.

Shortly after announcing that it will add a hybrid powertrain option across its entire Blue ICE lineup by 2030, Ford also recently told dealers to halt investments on their part that were required by the Model e Certified program, which was previously required for dealers that want to sell EVs moving forward. This move stems from a desire to tweak the program based on dealer feedback, according to Ford Blue President Andrew Frick.

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