VDIK at the IAA 2025: - VDIK - Verband der Internationalen Kraftfahrzeughersteller e.V.

International manufacturers showcase affordable electric cars
Fleet limits require framework conditions
Utility factor does not do justice to plug-in hybrids

At this year’s IAA in Munich, numerous international automotive manufacturers are showcasing their latest innovations in all vehicle classes. One focus is on affordable entry-level models for electric mobility. Skoda is presenting its concept for the small, electric city SUV Epiq, while Cupra is showing a camouflaged production model of the small electric car Raval. Cars in this electric class are already available to buy, such as the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, the Hyundai Inster, the BYD Dolphin Surf, and the KIA EV3, which can also be seen and test driven at the show.

Overall, there is now a wide range of affordable electric cars with reasonable ranges in all segments. They can contribute significantly to CO2 savings. International car manufacturers have made a clear commitment to climate neutrality. However, the timetable for these targets needs to be reassessed and adapted to future developments in the framework conditions. The European Commission’s fleet limits can only be achieved if more drivers switch to electric mobility. However, many potential customers do not yet consider the conditions for this to be sufficiently met.

“If we set targets for CO2 fleet limits, we must also set binding targets for the framework conditions so that we can actually achieve these fleet limits. It was a mistake not to draw up a ramp-up plan for electric mobility from the outset, involving all stakeholders from politics and local authorities, the energy sector, and the automotive industry. We now have one last chance to do so when Chancellor Merz invites the automotive industry to a dialogue in the near future. We must not squander this opportunity,” said VDIK President Imelda Labbé.

There are still many drivers who do not want to buy a battery electric vehicle due to their usage profile. Often, they cannot charge their vehicles conveniently at home or nearby. Many of these customers opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which can cover increasingly long distances purely on electric power and thus contribute significantly to CO2 savings. International manufacturers are also showcasing a large number of new vehicles with this type of drive system at the IAA.

“The question arises as to why, despite the longer pure electric ranges of plug-in hybrids, less and less CO2 savings are being credited toward European fleet limits. This is due to the new utility factor regulation, which artificially underestimates the electric share of vehicles. It is therefore time for the EU Commission to make a correction here. At least the German government is rewarding the CO2 savings of plug-in hybrids with reduced company car taxation. Customers, meanwhile, have already made their choice: they are increasingly opting for plug-in hybrids because this type of drive system adapts flexibly to their respective usage profiles,” said VDIK President Imelda Labbé.

International automotive manufacturers offer a total of over 200 electric vehicle models (130 battery electric and 70 plug-in hybrid models). At the IAA 2025, VDIK members BYD, Cupra, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Polestar, Renault, Togg, and Volvo will present innovations across all vehicle classes and drive technologies.