Volkswagen has quietly abandoned plans to introduce electric or plug-in hybrid versions of its global Amarok pickup truck, opting to maintain its traditional lineup of diesel and gasoline engines for now. This decision solidifies the pickup’s continued reliance on familiar powertrains, at least for the current generation.
Shared Platform, Divergent Paths
The global Amarok differs significantly from its South American counterpart. While the South American model still utilizes Volkswagen’s dedicated ladder-frame platform, the globally sold Amarok is built upon the same architecture as the Ford Ranger. This shared platform initially raised expectations of a potential hybrid or electric variant, especially considering Ford’s existing plug-in hybrid Ranger.
Ford’s Hybrid Technology: A Missed Opportunity?
The Ford Ranger’s plug-in hybrid system combines a turbocharged 2.3-liter gasoline engine with a single electric motor, delivering a total output of 277 horsepower (207 kW / 281 PS). A modest 11.8 kWh battery allows for an approximate range of 40 kilometers (25 miles) of electric-only driving. Access to this compatible hybrid system made a similar offering from Volkswagen seem plausible – a potential opportunity now seemingly passed over.
Why the Change of Heart?
Initial reports suggested Volkswagen was seriously exploring the possibility of an electrified Amarok. However, according to Nathan Johnson, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ brand director, CEO Stefan Mecha has definitively stated that plans for a plug-in hybrid or fully electric Amarok are “no longer being discussed” for the current generation. This decision reflects a global strategy and effectively halts those plans for the time being.
Future Possibilities Remain Open
While the current generation of the Amarok will remain combustion-engine powered, the possibility of an electric or hybrid version isn’t entirely off the table. Johnson hinted that the door remains open for the next-generation Amarok, which is expected to arrive toward the end of the decade. As electrification becomes increasingly standard in the midsize pickup truck market, a hybrid or electric Amarok seems inevitable within the next few years.
South American Amarok to Embrace Electrification
Volkswagen’s approach differs considerably within South America. Here, the company is actively evolving the first-generation Amarok, which continues production on VW’s original chassis. A refreshed version launched last year, and a new hybrid successor is already slated for release in 2027.
A Chinese Collaboration for the Future
This new South American Amarok will utilize a ladder-frame chassis supplied by Chinese automaker SAIC, the result of Volkswagen’s ongoing collaboration. However, the vehicle will be manufactured at the General Pacheco factory in Argentina, supported by a substantial $580 million investment.
Volkswagen’s decision to pause electrification plans for the global Amarok reflects a shift in strategy, but the long-term trend toward electric vehicles makes a future hybrid or electric version almost certain. The company’s commitment to evolving the South American model, including a planned hybrid release, underscores a more nuanced approach to electrification based on regional demand and partnerships.
