The CUPRA Tavascan Electric Concept was confirmed today at SEAT’s Annual Press Conference. The 100% electric model, designed and developed in Barcelona, plans are for the Tavascan to go on sale by 2024. The CUPRA Tavascan Concept takes its name from a village located in the Pyrenees which is very unique due to its stunning landscape and surrounding nature.
Two motors – one integrated on the front axle and the second at the rear – provides a combined 225kW (306PS) of power to all four wheels. The CUPRA Tavascan Electric Concept should zip from 0- 100km/h in less than 6.5 seconds. Due to the placement of the battery pack in the floor of the Concept, the low centre of gravity should give it a very enjoyable and dynamic drive. The Concept houses a 77kWh lithium-ion battery pack should enable a range of around 450km. The Tavascan is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and will be the first in the group to use it.
SEAT also announced plans for an urban electric car called eCar, with dimensions of the current SEAT Arona. Urban electric cars aim to enable the access of Electric Vehicles to the masses.
The CUPRA Born is to launch by the end of the year. SEAT and CUPRA are seen as complimentary brands with complimentary roles. SEAT sees itself as the entry level brand to the Volkswagen Group. SEAT ibiza and Arona models will be refreshed this year. Leader in Spanish market and top in Germany, with growth in Italy and France.
Boosting battery and electric sales is high on the agenda at SEAT. With the Formentor, Ateca and Born, there is a good range to start and further expand from. SEAT also sees great growth potential in Australia and South America.
Future Fast Forward (or F3) is a joint commitment from Spain’s Government and SEAT, aimed to establish Spain as an EV hub in Europe. With the Volkswagen Groups plans to build six giga factories in Europe, SEAT hopes that Spain will be one of the possible sites for EV battery assembly, possibly close to Martorell or Barcelona.
SEAT has reported 11% growth in 2019 and also growth throughout 2020, exceeding their initial expectations. Building, developing and selling cars throughout a pandemic, Cupra headquarters was inaugurated and SEAT code hired more than 100 IT developers. A further investment of 5 Billion Euros will take SEAT up to 2025.
Regarding the financial results for 2020, Carsten Isensee exec VP for Finance and IT has said that while plans were disrupted during 2020, sales figures of 8.8 Billion Euro and net sales in 2019 were good and expects SEAT to be back into growth from 2020. The average sales income per vehicle increased by 2,600 Euro in the last 5 years and SEAT continued with 7.2 Billion Euro in exports for cars and parts.