Cupra is switching to electromobility faster than its sister brand Seat. The Spaniards, who rely on sporty cars, are currently working on three vehicles, including two fully electric ones: a small car and a medium-sized SUV. In addition to the new e-cars and the compact Born electric car that is already available, large full-electric vehicles could also be included in the range.
Cupra is not only aiming for electrification but also for global expansion. The sporty brand of Volkswagen Group is planning a series of larger vehicles aimed at the North American market, Autocar reports. The company wants to use them to enter the lucrative US market by 2030. CEO Wayne Griffiths confirmed that these vehicles would be based on the forthcoming Volkswagen Group platform SSP (Scalable Systems Platform). They are scheduled to start towards the end of the decade.
"We are currently testing the brand there. We think Americans will love Cupra's design and performance," Griffiths said. However, he added that the investment to make cars fit for America is significant and that Cupra needs to be stronger in Europe first and make sure it has done its homework.
Cupra does not want to bring the Born, its first fully electric model, to America because the brand sees interest in larger electric cars in particular. The company boss said this can be implemented with the SSP, which is still a few years away. The SSP will be a unified platform for all Volkswagen Group brands and will support both combustion and electric powertrains.
The Born, which is based on the MEB platform and shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID.3, is a compact hatchback that offers up to 335 miles (540 km) of range and up to 231 hp of power. It is expected to go on sale in Europe later this year, starting from around 37,000 euros.
