Driving sustainability

We take a holistic approach to sustainability. Our guiding principle “Sustainable benefits” combines economic success with environmental and social responsibility. Specifically, we develop climate-friendly transport solutions, take responsibility for society (e.g. through inclusive mobility offers) and protect nature by consistently decarbonising production and supply chains.

Our goal is clear and ambitious: we will achieve net carbon neutrality in our production processes by 2040. As part of this journey, we have our sights firmly set on avoiding and reducing CO₂. Only emissions that technically unavoidable (for the time being) are offset through certified climate protection projects. This will ultimately enable us to achieve a carbon footprint of net zero. As part of our sustainability strategy, we are already relying on 100% climate-friendly electricity and the efficient use of resources at all locations. In addition, the Volkswagen Group as a whole is committed to the Paris Agreement and the vision of operating as a company with a carbon neutral balance sheet by 2050 at the latest.

Learn more about environmentally friendly production

At the forefront of our electric vehicle range is the all-electric ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo. They are joined by the e‑Transporter panel van, the e‑Transporter Kombi and the e-Caravelle, which expand our range in the commercial sector. We also use efficient plug-in hybrid drives for the Multivan and Caddy to facilitate low-emission driving over long distances.

To the overview of our electric models

Our key figures and progress are incorporated into the Volkswagen Group’s annual Sustainability Report. We also provide detailed information about our specific projects and our commitment in the “Society” section.

To the Sustainability Report

Read about our Corporate Social Responsibility activities

Our approach looks far beyond the vehicle itself. In addition to our growing range of electric models, we are expanding the requisite charging infrastructure together with our partners. Through our Group subsidiary Elli, we provide wall boxes and Volkswagen Naturstrom® energy for powering these boxes and, in cooperation with Otovo, we even enable the user’s own PV systems to be integrated. In addition, our specialised body and conversion solutions ensure that electric mobility blends efficiently and smoothly into your daily business routines.

Electric mobility solutions for our customers

We don’t treat the batteries in our electric commercial vehicles as stand-alone products; we take their entire life cycle into account. We are already using climate-friendly electricity to manufacture the battery cells for our ID. models, resulting in a huge reduction to their carbon footprint. Even after the battery has been used in a vehicle, it often tends to have plenty of capacity left for other applications. In this case, the batteries enjoy a second life as a storage unit for renewable energies. Only once this stage is over are they recycled to recover their valuable raw materials.

We are increasingly replacing primary plastics and products of animal origin with high-quality recycled materials. In the ID. Buzz, for example, the seat covers are made partly of Seaqual® yarn, a mix of marine plastic and recycled PES. This reduces CO₂ emissions in the manufacturing process by 32% compared to conventional surface materials. In addition, recycled materials equivalent to around 63 PET bottles are used in each vehicle in features including the carpet, headliner and seat covers. The ArtVelours Eco® material used for this has a recycled content of 71%.

The majority of emissions already occur outside our factory gates. However, this does not stop us from striving for environmental protection beyond our sites. For instance, we contractually require our direct suppliers to comply with strict environmental standards. We place particular focus on energy-intensive materials such as steel, aluminium and battery cells. We require renewable energy to be used in the production of these materials, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of our components – even before they’ve been installed.

Yes, we create a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) for our models such as the ID. Buzz, which is checked and certified by TÜV NORD. This “environmental balance sheet” analyses all ecological impacts from raw material extraction to recycling and enables them to be used for comparison purposes. For transparency, we publish the results in our sustainability brochure and our environmental commendations.

Absolutely. Although their acquisition costs are often higher, the total cost of ownership is what really matters to you. This is precisely where electric vehicles come into their own in day-to-day use: lower operating costs, tax exemptions, attractive subsidies, write-downs and much lower maintenance requirements thanks to fewer wear parts.

What’s more, we also work with our Group subsidiary Elli to offer solutions that further reduce operating costs using energy management – with PV systems, for example. In just a few short steps, our cost simulator shows you what your individual consumption costs could be with an electric vehicle.

Go to the cost simulator

As the market leader in its segment, the ID. Buzz Cargo is the ideal solution for urban delivery transport and services. The new e‑Transporter and the e-Caravelle will follow for transporting heavy loads in the construction industry.

Important: weight-optimised vehicle equipment (from providers such as Sortimo) can be used to maximise efficiency and range for the application in question.

In addition to the electric drive, we rely consistently on intelligent, high-efficiency technologies to further reduce energy consumption. These include optimised aerodynamics to decrease aerodynamic drag, efficient heat pumps for thermal management of the battery, and recuperation, in which braking energy is converted into electricity. Every kilowatt hour saved reduces the need for primary energy and protects the environment.

Yes, of course. For customers looking to purchase an electric vehicle, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers attractive leasing and financing conditions that are specially tailored to the needs of their business. You also benefit from special discounts on vehicle insurance. Special loans can also be used for the hassle-free financing of the requisite equipment – such as wall boxes or charging accessories.

Thanks to our digital solutions, integration of electric vehicles into existing fleets is seamless. With the Connect Pro Portal, you can efficiently manage your electric vehicles on a PC or tablet – from tracking to the activation of important software updates. 

Do you already use your own fleet software? Live data such as remaining range, charge level or maintenance requirements can be transferred directly to your existing system via the Fleet Interface Data interface. Together with the charging solutions from our Group subsidiary Elli, our electric vehicles can be perfectly integrated into your logistics.

Our many Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Van Centres across the UK are happy to advise you on TCO, charging solutions and conversions. Arrange a test drive and experience just how quietly and powerfully sustainable mobility can support you in your day-to-day work.

Book a test drive

Find a Van Centre