Volkswagen, in a recent collaborative effort with Italian design and engineering firm Italdesign, a subsidiary of Audi, has unveiled a captivating electric coupe concept known as the EVX Project. This design exercise, born from a 'what if' scenario, explores the aesthetic and functional possibilities of a 2+2 coupe built upon the MEB+ platform. Although visually appealing and conceptually intriguing, this electric vehicle (EV) is not destined for mass production, underscoring Volkswagen's current strategic focus on more market-friendly segments like SUVs and hatchbacks.

The EVX Project emerges at a time when the broader Volkswagen Group is expanding its electric vehicle offerings, with Porsche preparing to launch electric versions of its Boxster and Cayman models, and Audi's Concept C slated for a 2027 release. However, unlike its luxury counterparts, Volkswagen's mainstream brand is not currently prioritizing a dedicated electric sports car. Instead, the EVX serves as a testament to creative exploration, leveraging the MEB+ architecture set to debut next year with models such as the ID.2 Polo GTI. This platform, primarily designed for front-wheel-drive vehicles, underpins the EVX, which despite its coupe form factor, exhibits a slightly elevated stance reminiscent of a crossover.

Measuring approximately 166.5 inches (4.23 meters) in length and 71.6 inches (1.82 meters) in width, the two-door EVX is marginally more compact than the three-door Range Rover Evoque. Its height of 58.6 inches (1.49 meters) positions it lower than the sleek Evoque, even though initial renderings might suggest otherwise. While the powertrain details for the EVX remain undisclosed, the MEB+ platform is known to support a front-mounted motor capable of generating 223 horsepower, as seen in the electric Polo GTI. Despite the allure of a more accessible electric sports car positioned below the upcoming Boxster/Cayman and Concept C, its realization seems improbable without a combustion engine, likely confining it to a niche market.

This isn't Volkswagen's first foray into showcasing electric sports car concepts that never materialized. Previous design sketches, including a 2017 MEB-based coupe inspired by the 1970s SP2, illustrate a pattern of innovative designs that never progressed beyond the drawing board. Volkswagen has a history of developing high-performance vehicles, such as the W12 Nardo, XL Sport, and BlueSport, which were ultimately kept from the public. The EVX Project, currently presented as a hologram at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, highlights Italdesign's integral role within the VW Group, even amidst reports suggesting Audi's potential divestment of the firm. While a Volkswagen-badged sports car may eventually emerge, for now, the company remains focused on segments with proven market demand. Enthusiasts remain cautious, questioning the broad appeal of an engine-less sports car, but acknowledge the refreshing nature of VW's occasional ventures beyond conventional market trends. Such design studies not only enhance the brand's image but also contribute to addressing the lingering effects of past controversies like Dieselgate.

Volvo has long been a proponent of electrification, declaring its intent to transition to an all-electric lineup by the close of this decade. However, the path to widespread EV adoption has proven more challenging than initially anticipated. Consequently, the Swedish automaker has adjusted its immediate targets, now aiming for plug-in hybrids and purely electric vehicles to constitute between 90 and 100 percent of its sales by 2030.

Volvo's Electrification Journey and Industry Predictions

Despite the revised timeline and a recent dip in electric vehicle sales, Volvo's leadership remains steadfast in its belief regarding the future of the automotive industry. Hakan Samuelsson, the Chief Executive Officer of Volvo, recently articulated a compelling vision during an interview with Bloomberg. He asserted that within approximately a decade, the entire automotive sector will have transitioned to electric propulsion, characterizing this shift as an undeniable progression. Samuelsson highlighted that while the pace of adoption might vary across different geographical regions, the overarching direction is unequivocally toward an all-electric, more cost-efficient automotive landscape.

This assertion comes at a time when Volvo's electric vehicle sales have experienced a notable decline. In the initial eight months of the current year, the company's sales of pure electric vehicles amounted to just over 90,000 units, marking a substantial 24 percent reduction compared to the same period in the preceding year. Plug-in hybrid sales also saw a marginal decrease of one percent, totaling around 107,000 units. Overall, Volvo's total vehicle deliveries for the year have fallen by 10 percent, reaching close to 500,000 cars.

Nevertheless, the 74-year-old executive expresses strong confidence in Volvo's capacity to regain momentum through strategic initiatives, particularly by introducing new plug-in hybrid models. He conceptualizes these vehicles as essentially electric cars with the added security of a combustion engine, hinting at a potential focus on long-range plug-in hybrids or range-extended electric vehicles. This strategy aligns with the technological expertise of Geely, Volvo's parent company, which has experience with range-extender technology through its joint ventures.

Samuelsson's foresight extends beyond Volvo, encompassing a broader industry transformation. He foresees a significant restructuring within the global automotive industry, suggesting that certain companies will successfully adapt and endure, while others may face considerable challenges. Looking towards the dawn of the electric era around 2035, he anticipates that "two or three very strong Chinese brands" will emerge as dominant forces, compelling established automotive players to confront a new market reality.

This perspective, however, is not universally shared among leading automakers. Companies such as BMW have expressed reservations about completely phasing out combustion engines by 2035, the year the European Union intends to implement a ban on new internal combustion engine vehicle sales. Mercedes-Benz's CEO has cautioned that the European automotive industry could face severe repercussions if this ban proceeds as planned. Similarly, Audi and Porsche believe that a premature, wholesale shift to electric vehicles within the next decade would be ill-advised.

In contrast, Polestar, Volvo's sister brand, has openly criticized its competitors for what it perceives as wavering commitments to all-electric pledges. At a recent automotive exhibition in Munich, Polestar reportedly highlighted contradictory statements from rival brands. Both Volvo and Polestar are advocating for the EU to adhere firmly to its 2035 zero-emission mandate, even as many competitors seek more flexible regulations. This divergent stance underscores the differing strategies and levels of commitment within the automotive industry as it navigates the complex transition to an electrified future.

The automotive industry stands at a pivotal juncture, marked by ambitious environmental goals and the undeniable push towards electrification. Volvo's unwavering commitment, despite current market fluctuations, reflects a profound belief in this transformation. The ongoing dialogue between policymakers and manufacturers, particularly concerning the 2035 ban on combustion engines, will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape. It highlights the critical need for innovation, adaptability, and clear strategic vision as the sector accelerates towards an all-electric future. The rise of new players and the redefinition of traditional roles within the industry will be fascinating to observe in the coming years.