Audi has started series production of its new MEBeco electric drive system, also known as the APP290, at its manufacturing facility in Győr, Hungary, marking a significant step in Volkswagen Group’s plans to expand electric vehicle production in Europe.
The new powertrain will first be installed in the all-electric Cupra Raval before being deployed across several upcoming compact electric models developed under Volkswagen Group’s small EV program.
€350 Million Investment Supports Production Launch
Audi Hungaria has been preparing the Győr facility for production of the new electric drive system since 2022.
The project involved investments totaling approximately €350 million, with the Hungarian government contributing €22.5 million in financial support.
According to the company, the conversion of the site for electric powertrain manufacturing will secure around 260 jobs. Production volumes are expected to increase gradually, with operations eventually expanding from a single shift to three shifts per day.
Audi Highlights European Manufacturing Expertise
Gerd Walker, Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG responsible for Production and Logistics and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Audi Hungaria, said the start of production reflects the company’s commitment to electric mobility.
“I am convinced that the future is electric. The launch of series production of the new electric drive is an important step on the Volkswagen Group’s journey towards electromobility,” Walker said.
“In Győr, I experience the strength of ‘Made in Europe’: flexible production, the courage to innovate, and a team with an exceptionally high level of professional expertise, working with passion and precision on the mobility of the future.”
Expanded In-House Manufacturing Capabilities
The APP290 forms part of Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform, an updated version of the existing MEB electric vehicle architecture.
Audi said the new production process significantly increases vertical integration at the Győr plant.
For the first time, the facility is producing not only complete electric drive units but also critical components including the laminated stator core, rotor assemblies, and power electronics. Software integration and final testing are also carried out on-site.
The company said the broader manufacturing scope allows greater control over quality and production processes.
Cupra Raval to Be First Recipient
The first production vehicle to receive the APP290 powertrain will be the Cupra Raval, which is manufactured at Volkswagen Group’s plant in Martorell, Spain.
The motor will subsequently be used across a new family of compact electric vehicles being developed by the group.
Future models expected to utilize the drive system include the Volkswagen ID. Polo, the performance-oriented ID. Polo GTI, the Volkswagen ID. Cross SUV, and the Skoda Epiq.
Multiple Power Outputs Planned
The APP290 takes its name from its maximum torque output of 290 Nm.
In the Cupra Raval, the motor will be available in four output levels: 85 kW, 99 kW, 155 kW, and 166 kW.
The most powerful version will be featured in the Cupra Raval VZ performance model.
According to Cupra, the Raval VZ will have a top speed of 175 km/h, compared with 160 km/h for other variants. The model is expected to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
Focus on Urban and Compact EV Segment
The performance figures position the Raval VZ among the more powerful offerings in the compact electric vehicle segment.
However, the vehicle is expected to be geared primarily toward urban and regional driving rather than long-distance highway travel, reflecting the intended role of Volkswagen Group’s upcoming generation of affordable small electric cars.
The start of APP290 production is a key milestone as Volkswagen Group prepares to launch a broader lineup of compact battery-electric vehicles aimed at expanding EV adoption across Europe.