Volkswagen won’t introduce an electric version of its new Amarok pickup until the market is ready, and says that the segment is one of the slowest to embrace electrification.
The second-generation Amarok hit UK roads last year, but still features purely diesel engines under the bonnet, with no mention of any electrified versions. That’s despite Volkswagen’s alliance partner Ford being set to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger, which was developed alongside the Amarok, in 2025.
Slow market conditions for electric pickups
Speaking at Volkswagen’s annual press conference on March 21, Volkswagen said it was ‘delighted’ with the Amarok’s performance so far, but that it was still undecided on the right moment to introduce an electric pickup.
Head of strategy at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Marcus Wilke, said: ‘In this segment, the electrification progress is one of the slowest, I must say. We also see very strong setbacks with the electrification of this type of segment in other countries around the world.
‘We have a close strategic eye on it, and we’re discussing it with our alliance partner [Ford], when will be the right moment to bring such a car, which could then also be the answer for Volkswagen with electrification with the pickup.
‘Currently we’re in the stage of watching the market and understanding the customer needs and finding the right moment in time to go in it.’
Will there be a hybrid Volkswagen Amarok beforehand?
Even though Ford will introduce a plug-in hybrid Ranger in 2025, top executives at Volkswagen don’t seem keen.
When asked by Parkers whether an electric or hybrid powertrain would be favoured for the Amarok, Wilke said: ‘In this regard, if you want to start electrification you should go the full path [to EV].’
Head of sales and marketing at Volkswagen’s van division, Lars Krause, also added that the Amarok’s core markets were South Africa, the Middle East and Australia where ‘we don’t see any kind of push for electrification.’
He added that the current engines are now a ‘perfect match’ for customers.
Can I buy any other electric pickups now?
Despite Volkswagen’s hesitancy, other manufacturers continue to look at electric pickups.
Chinese van maker Maxus became the first firm to introduce such a vehicle in the UK market with its T90 EV truck, while Isuzu is set to unveil an electric D-Max in April, which will be introduced to ‘select European markets’ in 2025.
Over in the United States, which doesn’t have strict weight limits like Europe, Ford already sells the F-150 Lightning, an electric version of its best-selling truck. The Rivian R1-T is also available, while we can’t forget the infamous Tesla Cybertruck.
What else is happening at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles?
Despite no electric Amarok on the horizon, Volkswagen is set to have a very busy year in 2024. A new Transporter is the main highlight, which will be available as a plug-in hybrid and EV, and debut later in the year .
The German firm has also confirmed the introduction of a hybrid version of its compact Caddy van, while Volkswagen’s new California camper, due in summer and now based on the Multivan, will also be offered as a plug-in hybrid.
