SEAT postpones electric vehicle launch to 2030

SEAT, Spain's largest car manufacturer, has decided to delay the launch of its next electric vehicle until 2030. The company will continue to produce its well-known petrol cars, which have been popular for nearly 30 years. The decision comes after Volkswagen, SEAT's parent company, introduced the ID.1 concept. This new model aims for a starting price of about €20,000 (£16,500). However, SEAT's Vice President of Research and Development, Werner Tietz, stated they are waiting for electric vehicle technology to become more affordable. SEAT previously planned to create a low-cost electric vehicle based on Volkswagen's entry-level MEB platform. This model would have a starting price around £17,000. However, SEAT has now said it does not have the resources to develop this electric model alongside its existing petrol and hybrid offerings. Instead, SEAT will focus on improving popular models like the Ateca crossover and Ibiza supermini. These cars helped boost SEAT's sales in the UK by 14.6 percent in 2024. Wayne Griffiths, CEO of SEAT and its sub-brand Cupra, remains optimistic about future electric models. He called on European governments for more support in the automotive industry, emphasizing that electrification is a crucial goal for the future. While a fully-electric SEAT may not be available soon, its premium sub-brand Cupra is set to launch the Raval, a hot hatchback EV. This model will have a stylish design and can travel up to 273 miles on a single charge. Prices for the Raval will start at around £25,000, with a sportier variant available as well.