Seat Working On High-Performance Electric Cupra Models, Says Boss

Seat is planning to offer a range of high-performance electric models under the Cupra nameplate, as confirmed by the company’s R&D boss.

Matthias Rabe spoke to Auto Express at the sidelines of the Arona reveal event, confirming that Seat will build electric models with driving fun in mind.

“Cupra is extremely important for us. And I am totally sure we will see Cupra version of [our] electric cars,” he said. “Electric cars have fantastic performance and acceleration - Cupra and electrification is not a contradiction.”

He didn’t specify though when we are going to see the first example of the electric Cupra range, but we do know that Seat will launch its first EV in 2019, based off the Group VW’s EV-only MEB architecture.

Rabe confirmed that their first electric vehicle is targeting a driving range of around 500km (310 miles), saying that it will be the only car a household would need.

Seat is also planning to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of its future models. “We see more potential for 100% fully electric vehicle, but for also we see improvements for combustion engine vehicles and potential for hybridization and plugin hybrid on existing vehicles.”

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