Volkswagen Ramps Up Energy and Charging Division to Rival Tesla

Volkswagen is planning to invest in the power and charging infrastructure to help convince drivers to switch to electric vehicles (EVs), in addition to doubling its employee base in the charging and energy sector, according to Reuters.

The company hopes to focus on ensuring enough fast-chargers and power are available to customers, and to partner with other companies and professionals who can help them take on Tesla.

Volkswagen has recruited Elke Temme, a veteran of German energy companies RWE and Innogy to lead the company’s European charging and energy division in gathering energy sources and equipping customers with what they need to charge at home or on the road, while selling them the necessary electricity.

Regarding plans to bolster Volkswagen’s charging and energy supply side of the business, Temme said, “We’re investing in huge growth areas that don’t always have to be profitable right away. We always see these investments in the overall context of our group strategy.” Temme continued, “That’s why building up a comprehensive infrastructure is key.”

Earlier this week, Tesla reached a milestone of 30,000 Superchargers across the world, while Volkswagen hopes to quadruple its fast-charging stations to around 45,000 by 2025. In the same year, Volkswagen reportedly hopes to overtake Tesla as the world’s global EV leader.