Volkswagen's electric Golf hatchback has been pushed back by a minimum of two years, according to the company's CEO, who indicated it won't reach dealerships until after 2030 - potentially delaying its Australian arrival until 2031 or 2032.

Autocar reports that Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer shared these details at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit in London, UK. The electric Golf, unveiled in 2023, is not currently a top priority for the manufacturer.

"We have a strong current lineup that means we do not require an electric Golf by 2028. Our existing portfolio positions us well," Schäfer stated.

Recently, the firm introduced the ID. Polo electric hatch and a refreshed ID.3, now called the ID.3 Neo. It also previewed the ID. Cross, a compact electric SUV rivaling the T-Cross, set for release this year.

These remarks from the CEO follow Volkswagen Group's adjustments to its EV roadmap - a move echoed by peers - affecting brands like Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen.

The shift from the electric Golf's original 2028 target likely ties to setbacks in the 800-volt SSP (Scalable Systems Platform) architecture intended for it.

Revealed in 2021 and originally slated for 2026, this EV-specific platform has encountered software hurdles, prompting extensions for ICE variants like the present Golf.

"[The] SSP will deploy across Volkswagen Group brands, beginning with premium ones first - Audi, then Porsche, followed by Volkswagen and others," Schäfer explained.

Showroom-ready SSP vehicles are projected for 2028, though the electric Golf joins later in 2030. Similar to the ID. Polo, Volkswagen targets equivalent pricing for EV and ICE Golf models.

"It may seem we're moving slowly, but scale is key in this industry to achieve profitability," Schäfer noted.

Gasoline and electric Golf editions will coexist, with availability varying by market based on demand.

Volkswagen plans to sustain petrol Golf sales until stricter EU emissions rules apply, as the European Commission pushes for a 90 percent cut in tailpipe emissions from 2021 baselines.

In comments to Auto Express last month, Schäfer admitted the initial ID.3 and ID.4 missed the mark, vowing a renewed focus to deliver authentic Volkswagens.

"We drifted from our essence - the unique Volkswagen experience for customers, fans, and staff," he reflected.

Nevertheless, Volkswagen surpassed Tesla as Europe's top EV seller in 2025, reclaiming the lead for the first time since 2022 and holding the overall market crown for 21 straight years.