SEAT revs up plans for six new electric and plug-in hybrid models

SEAT has become the latest auto giant to announce major new electric vehicle (EV) plans, confirming it will deliver six new electric and plug-in models by early 2021.

Publishing its new EV strategy yesterday, the VW subsidiary said the electric version of the Mii and el-Born will be the brand's first two fully electric models. Meanwhile, the new generation Leon and the Tarraco, as well as the CUPRA Leon and the CUPRA Formentor will offer plug-in hybrid versions.

In addition, the company said that for the first time in its history it will develop a new vehicle platform in collaboration with VW, providing a smaller version of its Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB).

"The goal of the new platform is to develop affordable electric vehicles, with an entry level price below €20,000," the company said, adding that more than 300 engineers will be participating in the Spain-based project.

"SEAT now has a clearer role in the Volkswagen Group, and thanks to the results obtained, we have earned the new electric vehicle platform," said company CEO Luca de Meo. "For the first time, the SEAT Technical Centre will be developing a platform that may be used by more brands around the globe."

Volkswagen AG CEO Dr. Herbert Diess similarly hailed the importance of the new project to the wider group. "SEAT is playing a new role within the Volkswagen Group taking on even more responsibility," he said. "The small electric platform project is a great step towards an even more affordable electric mobility. SEAT will realize the first electric vehicle that is especially designed for urban journeys."

The news follows VW's recent pledge to deliver 70 new electric models by 2028 and joins a string of EV investment announcements from the world's largest auto brands.

For example, just last week General Motors announced it is to invest $300m in its Orion Township assembly plant in Michigan to produce a new Chevrolet EV. The move is set to create 400 new jobs and deliver a Chevrolet EV that will sit alongside the existing Chevrolet Bolt EV.

"We are excited to bring these jobs and this investment to the US," said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. "This new Chevrolet electric vehicle is another positive step toward our commitment to an all-electric future."

The announcement came just days after rival Ford similarly announced plans to invest $850m in expanding one of its Michigan plants to produce new EVs.