VW begins production of new electric drive

By Natalie Hughes 19/06/2026 2 min read 21 views

Volkswagen Group has begun producing its new MEBeco electric drive system at Audi’s plant in Győr, Hungary. The powertrain, also called APP290, will first appear in the Cupra Raval before rolling out to other small electric models in the group’s lineup.

The Győr facility has prepared for this since 2022, backed by a €350 million investment. Hungary’s government contributed an additional €22.5 million. The shift to electric powertrain production is expected to secure 260 jobs at the site.

Production will scale up gradually, moving from one shift to three per day as demand grows. Gerd Walker, Audi’s board member for production and logistics and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Audi Hungaria, emphasized the strategic importance of the launch, framing it as a milestone in the Volkswagen Group’s broader electromobility roadmap. He highlighted how Győr exemplifies Europe’s manufacturing capabilities, combining adaptable production lines with a culture of innovation and a workforce skilled in precision engineering for next-generation mobility solutions.

The MEBeco system is part of the MEB+ platform, an upgrade of Volkswagen’s existing MEB architecture. This evolution marks a deeper level of vertical integration for the group, as Győr now handles the entire value chain for the powertrain. Beyond assembling complete units, the plant produces laminated cores, which form the electromagnetic heart of the motor, as well as rotors and the full suite of power electronics. The process also includes in-house software development and integrated final testing, ensuring all components meet stringent performance and reliability standards before leaving the facility.

The first vehicle to use the new drive is the Cupra Raval, built in Martorell, Spain. It will be followed by Volkswagen’s ID. Polo and its GTI variant, which will retain the brand’s sporty DNA in an electric format. The lineup also includes the ID. Cross SUV, targeting buyers seeking a higher ride height and practicality, and the Skoda Epiq, expanding the platform’s reach across the group’s brands with distinct positioning for each model.

The APP290 name refers to its peak torque of 290 Nm. In the Raval, the motor will come in four outputs: 85 kW, 99 kW, 155 kW, and 166 kW for the top-tier VZ model. The VZ hits a top speed of 175 km/h—15 km/h faster than other Raval versions—and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The range-topping variant’s calibration prioritizes responsive throttle mapping and refined power delivery, aligning with its sportier character.