Volkswagen may not be as flashy as Tesla or BYD, but it’s carving out a meaningful path in the EV transition. The German automaker is setting itself apart by prioritizing renewable energy to power its electric vehicles. With ambitious goals and significant green power investments, Volkswagen is helping to decarbonize mobility in a way that few other automakers are.
Massive Green Energy Projects Across Europe
Volkswagen is taking renewable energy seriously. In 2024 alone, its renewable energy projects generated 1.1 terawatt-hours (TWh) of green electricity—enough to power 300,000 homes or meet the annual electricity demand of its ID. fleet in Europe. Since 2021, these projects have delivered 3 TWh to the European grid, equivalent to the energy needs of 800,000 households.
The company supports 26 green energy projects, including wind farms and solar plants, across nine European countries. For example, Volkswagen co-owns a wind farm in Djupdal, Sweden, which produces over 1 TWh of electricity annually. Another solar park in Portugal generates more than 60 GWh of clean energy per year. These long-term commitments, often spanning 10 years, highlight Volkswagen’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions.
Greener EVs with a Smaller Carbon Footprint
Volkswagen’s efforts go beyond selling electric cars—they extend to powering them sustainably. According to a lifecycle analysis, the ID.4 Pro produces 25% fewer CO2 emissions than a diesel car over 200,000 kilometers. When charged with 100% renewable electricity, emissions drop by 50%. The carbon footprint of the ID.4 becomes smaller than a diesel car’s after just 66,000 kilometers of use when relying on green electricity.
Volkswagen also provides 100% renewable energy for charging through the IONITY fast-charging network and its Elli Naturstrom Flex program for home charging. This ensures customers can drive their EVs with minimal environmental impact.
A Vision for Sustainability
Volkswagen’s focus on renewable energy extends beyond 2024. The company plans to scale its green energy efforts in line with sales of its ID. models. Andreas Walingen, Volkswagen’s CSO, states, “Our commitment to sustainability goes far beyond electrifying vehicles. We are helping customers use their ID. cars in a net carbon-neutral way.”
Paving the Way for a Cleaner Future
By integrating renewable energy into its EV ecosystem, Volkswagen is showing a clear path forward for legacy automakers. While critics argue it hasn’t caught up to Tesla in some areas, its renewable energy strategy is a powerful step toward sustainable mobility. Volkswagen’s commitment serves as a reminder that the EV transition isn’t just about the vehicles—it’s about the energy that drives them.
