2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for SEAT & CUPRA — and for Europe’s urban electric mobility sector.
As the company enters the final phase of its transformation, the spotlight is firmly on the upcoming CUPRA Raval, the first 100% electric model to be produced at the Martorell plant in Spain.
More than just a new EV, the Raval marks the beginning of a new chapter for the brand — and a strategic shift that positions Spain at the heart of the Volkswagen Group’s affordable urban EV offensive.
Martorell Becomes a Hub for Electric Mobility
At the centre of this transformation is the SEAT & CUPRA production facility in Martorell, now entering the “series 0” phase — the final validation stage before full-scale production begins.
This critical step ensures that manufacturing processes, quality standards, and operational systems are fully optimised ahead of series production. It’s the last checkpoint before the Raval begins rolling off the line for European customers.
To prepare for this new era, the company has:
– Adapted around 160,000 m² of production space
– Renovated Production Line 1
– Installed 1,000 new robots in the body shop
– Added 60 new component stamping dies, including the advanced PXL press
– Developed four new body colours for the urban EV family
In addition, a newly inaugurated 600-metre automated bridge now connects the battery assembly plant directly to the main production line. Positioned five metres above ground, it ensures a seamless and efficient flow of battery systems into vehicle assembly — a key step in optimising EV production costs and logistics.
Spain at the Core of Volkswagen Group’s Urban EV Strategy
The CUPRA Raval is not an isolated project. It is part of a broader urban electric car family developed under the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core initiative.
Alongside the Raval, three additional models will be manufactured in Spain:
– Volkswagen ID. Polo
– Škoda Epiq
– Volkswagen ID. Cross
While the Raval and ID. Polo will be produced at Martorell, the Škoda Epiq and ID. Cross will be assembled at Volkswagen Navarra.
Together, these models aim to redefine the affordable urban EV segment in Europe — a segment that is critical for mass electrification and meeting EU emissions targets.
A Major Investment in Skills and Supply Chain
The transformation extends beyond factory upgrades. Teams at Martorell and Volkswagen Navarra have completed more than 560,000 hours of training, equipping workers with the expertise required for large-scale EV production.
From a supply chain perspective, Spain plays a pivotal role. Over 90 suppliers and 110 production plants are involved in the project, accounting for approximately 70% of awarded material costs. This strengthens Spain’s industrial ecosystem and reduces dependency on external markets — an increasingly important factor for European automotive resilience.
Why the CUPRA Raval Matters for Europe
The European EV market is entering a new phase. Growth is shifting from premium electric SUVs toward smaller, more affordable urban models — precisely where the CUPRA Raval will compete.
By manufacturing these vehicles locally, SEAT & CUPRA are helping lower production costs through scale, strengthen Europe’s EV supply chain, accelerate the transition away from combustion engines and deliver accessible electric mobility to urban drivers.
With series production nearing, the Raval is set to become the first of this new Spanish-built urban EV family to reach customers — potentially redefining expectations for compact electric cars in Europe.
