The Volkswagen (VW) Group is set to begin pre-series production of its small electric vehicles at Seat’s Martorell plant in Spain this year, with full-scale production of the Cupra Raval and VW ID.2 models scheduled for 2026. However, production targets for these models and related projects have been scaled back, reflecting slower adoption of electric vehicles in Europe.
Seat has been upgrading the Martorell facility to accommodate the new electric models, relocating production of combustion-engine vehicles like the Ibiza and Arona to make room for the “Electric Urban Car.” The company has installed a more efficient press and the VW Group’s first all-electric paint-drying oven. Additionally, Seat is expanding its charging infrastructure, planning to triple the number of charging points around its facilities by 2025.
See also: Seat prioritizes Cupra for electrification, leaving Seat without EVs until 2026
“We promised to electrify our company and put Spain on electric wheels. Since then, we have been working hard to make this goal a reality,” said Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Seat and Cupra. He acknowledged challenges in Spain’s electric vehicle market, noting, “In Europe, 25% of vehicles sold this year should be 100% electric, but in Spain, it’s just over 5%.”
Production forecasts for Martorell and the VW plant in Pamplona have been adjusted downward. Current plans aim for around 300,000 Cupra Raval and VW ID.2 units combined in 2026 and 2027, alongside approximately 235,000 units from Pamplona during the same period. Despite the initial reductions, Seat remains committed to achieving long-term targets of producing 500,000 vehicles annually at Martorell and 300,000 at Pamplona.
See also: Seat invests 3 billion euros in Martorell plant for electric car production
To accelerate the transition to electric mobility, Seat has signed the “CASA SEAT Declaration for the Promotion of Electromobility in Spain,” collaborating with government and regional authorities. The initiative aims to boost electric vehicle sales through incentives, expand charging infrastructure, and modernize public fleets. “The commitment aims to incentivize the purchase of electric vehicles with direct aid, promote charging infrastructure, and proactively communicate the advantages of electric vehicles,” Seat stated.
As Spain lags behind other European nations in EV adoption, the industry is pressing for improved subsidy programs to address delays in environmental bonus payments and other inefficiencies.