Interview with Edgar Estrada, president of Volkswagen Canada

The president of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., Edgar Estrada.

By Víctor R. AGUILAR.- As the Canadian government regulates and encourages the manufacturing of electric  vehicles (EVs), and plans to end vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel by 2035, giving compliance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Volkswagen is working hard to meet the deadline and has made million-dollar investments. To resolve some concerns, we spoke with the president of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., Edgar Estrada, who has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has previously held different positions in the company in his native Mexico. His extensive work experience and His excellent work paved the way for him to perform this important position within the company in Canada. With the kindness that characterizes him, he agreed to answer some of our concerns, which we then forward to those who are thinking of purchasing an Electric Vehicle.

1. – How is the change from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles progressing at Volkswagen?

A fundamental question.  At a global level the company is working to be able to have 100% electric vehicles. Canada is a country that already has all the guarantees and laws to continue advancing in the change from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Volkswagen Canada already has an important manufacturing base for electric vehicles, in Canada a vehicle identified as ID.4 is already being sold, the first fully electric, compact SUV, model 2024, it is currently in the top 3 of the best sellers in Canada . It has an estimated battery charge of about 28 minutes, for a trip of more than 460 kilometres.

2. – Volkswagen electric vehicles are coming to the market, but the prices are not so affordable, are there any plans to make cheaper cars?

It’s an excellent question. Technology has cycles and advances, and as the company continues to make large investments we will continue to produce more electric cars, more volumes, which would lead to accessibility for people interested in cutting-edge cars. Today the company has the largest battery factory in North America in the city of St. Thomas, Ontario, called PowerCo SE. The group’s million-dollar investments seek to make electric vehicles more accessible to the public. This factory will supply more than one million batteries per year and we will have the capacity to manufacture more electric vehicles for the Canadian market.

3. – Does the value of electric vehicles depend on the car manufacturer, or does it have more to do with the battery manufacturers?

ID.4, the first fully electric, compact SUV, model 2024.

No, the price is generally determined by the conglomerate. An example, we currently have the ID.4 that is financed in 36 months at a very low interest rate 0.99%. Volkswagen is one of the most innovative car brands in the world and is committed to offering cutting-edge products with cutting-edge technology for the safety of its customers. In general we have accessibility programs for our products and they are within the reach of buyers.

4. – Volkswagen Canada is building a factory to supply batteries, would this help reduce EV costs?

Surely yes, because the company is investing millions of dollars in the battery factory that is located in the city of St. Thomas (south western Ontario, Canada), it is currently the largest in North America, it has an approximate area of ​​210 fields of football, it is only the factory without taking into account the entire area. One million batteries will be manufactured here per year, to continue with the objective of completing electrification of the vehicle model portfolio.

5. – How long does a driver need to charge a battery and what distance can be traveled with a newly charged battery?

It will all depend on where you have to charge the battery, with a fast charger it can take a little more than 20 minutes. Now charging centers are being implemented in all places and if in your house you have a 220 volt power box you can leave the battery charging at night and it would take more than five hours and for that the EVs come with a special cable. As for the distance to travel with a freshly charged battery, it is approximately 423 kilometres (ID.4 AWD), and will also depend on the weather and road conditions.

6. – What will the purchase incentives for an electric Volkswagen be like in the province of Ontario? Will the company have offers, in addition to some help to buyers from the government?

In addition to the government incentive through its Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) program that offers up to $5,000 and other additional amounts, the company, from time to time, makes plans to make it easier for our customers to buy a new vehicle, with discounts and interest, in some starting at 0.99%, as the case of the ID.4 that qualifies for the refund of $5000 and financing of 0.99% in 36 months.

7. – For many there is a certain fear of change. How could you convince buyers to choose a high-tech Volkswagen, EV?

Volkswagen seeks the well-being and safety of customers, the important thing is the satisfaction of buyers and that they are happy with the efficiency, safety, technology, design and comfort that each of the vehicle models offers. Volkswagen has always focused on innovative technology, providing an efficient, safe, dynamic vehicle. And for buyers, they always have the guarantee of maintenance and repair centers at their fingertips…https://www.vw.ca/en.html