SEAT is holding off on launching an electric car: it will wait until they become more affordable

The future of SEAT seems somewhat problematic, as we have known for a few years now. And yet, it seems that is holding back from launching a fully electric model. A somewhat strange decision, since CUPRA, the brand that split off from the Spanish marque, has already presented two models of this type, the Born and the Tavascan.

However, SEAT is not CUPRA. This second brand offers high-performance vehicles, something SEAT does not want to consider if it is to remain a brand offering reliable cars at a moderate price. The offer of electric cars is, for now, off its radar and it will continue to bet on cars with combustion engines, even if they have some degree of electrification.

If CUPRA had remained a model rather than a separate brand, we would possibly have seen a parallel development in both, with SEAT versions of CUPRA’s electric models. But this has not been the case and SEAT assures that it will not launch an electric car, nor a version of one of its models with these characteristics, until there is a possibility of launching an affordable car.

One of the options being considered is creating a version of the Volkswagen ID.1, which is beginning to take shape at SEAT’s parent brand. However, this possibility has not been confirmed and, although it seems like a good option for having an electric SEAT car, it is not yet confirmed.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models

SEAT’s offer is not limited to models with pure combustion engines, but also there are several models offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. This allows the brand not to fall behind and, given that many European brands are changing their electrification strategies in the short term, this may not represent a serious problem for the Spanish marque.

However, although more slowly than expected, electric car sales in Europe continue to grow. We know that during this decade, there will be no electric SEAT, but from 2030 onwards SEAT will have to make a decision in this regard or suffer the consequences of falling behind in an increasingly competitive market.