Report: VW R models will be fully electric by 2030

German auto giant Volkswagen is on course towards becoming a fully electric automaker by 2035. This shift will also see the brand’s R performance sub-brand being transformed to go all electric, but credible reports online indicate that this range of performance models will go electric much sooner than the rest.

In a recent interview with Autocar UK, VW R brand boss Reinhold Ivenz told the UK title that his department has already begun taking necessary steps ahead of the planned electric transformation. The exec further notes that it has “several electric R models in the planning stages” already too.

Though the exec didn’t specify any timelines or a targeted launch date of the first electric R model, he did confirm that VW is presently considering “various concepts and possibilities”. The latter surely suggests that it will be a few years at least before we see the release of the first electric VW R model.

VW hasn’t provided much details about these future models but the firm did note that “quick and convenient” charging will be a key feature. These vehicles will also benefit with tech trickling down from concepts and its motorsports efforts. Additionally, Autocar UK further reports that VW’s Scalable Systems Platform will likely be the base of these upcoming new electric R models.

The electrified R brand is expected to include a range of different models. Over the years, VW has slapped the R badge – and performance treatment – to a number of its products besides the staple Golf hatchback. SUVs like the Tiguan and T-Roc have also been given this treatment.

In all likelihood, the first electric R model could stem from one of VW’s current ID-branded electric vehicles range - perhaps the ID.4?. Surely, VW’s transition towards becoming a full EV brand won’t happen overnight – the company’s plans for which are indeed gradual.