German automotive giant, Volkswagen has revealed plans to double its staff at its energy and charging division as well as launch a new payment technology in the coming year and form more partnerships to take on rival Tesla.

VW is constantly working to ensure enough fast-charging plugs and power are available for EVs it intends to sell. The carmaker wishes to assure drivers that are concerned about battery range so that they can rely more on electric vehicles.

For fulfilling its electric ambition, Volkswagen has recruited Elke Temme, a power industry veteran who has experience of around 2 decades at German energy companies Innogy and RWE, in supporting the carmaker to get in better shape to rival Tesla.

Since January, under the supervision of Temme, 53 people have been assigned with tasks like supporting VW’s multiple activities like procuring energy, enabling customers for charging their cars at home, and on the road, and selling the electricity required.

A bigger workforce will be required for getting this done, and Temme plans to twofold the staff at Volkswagen's European energy and charging division, known as Elli, to around 300 in FY 2022. It has already tripled the staff this year for the same.

Temme said that the firm is investing in the area, which can provide huge growth in the future. They always see these investments in the complete framework of the group strategy, and therefore, building a strong comprehensive infrastructure is crucial.

Although Temme declined to comment on the budget offered to her, she said that the desired investment for the division has been approved by Volkswagen.

It goes without saying that Volkswagen is leading the pack worldwide with investment plans for EVs and batteries via 2030. It is also planning to spend 35 billion euros on battery EVs by 2025.

Source Credit - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-bytes/volkswagen-powers-up-the-grid-to-take-on-tesla/articleshow/87761722.cms