In the run-up to the presentation of the final results of 2020, Volkswagen is already mapping out the future of the entire Volkswagen Group in reasonable detail. The keyword is scaling up again.
- Platforms: first MEB and PPE, then SSP for all models
- From 10 to 60 percent proprietary software
- Modular batteries from six new factories
- Pioneering role for ‘Artemis’, ‘Apollon’ and ‘Trinity’
An important part of Volkswagens business model is already spreading out platforms, powertrains and other parts over as many different models in as many different segments as possible. This should only be the case even more in the future, with the increase in the share of EVs. In an extensive discussion of the group’s electric future, Volkswagen explains exactly how that works.
Now
The Volkswagen group is currently working with various electric platforms. The best-known is the MEB platform (Modular E-antriebs-Baukasten), the basis on which the Volkswagens ID3 and ID4, but also the Skoda Enyaq iV and many other electric middle class vehicles will be built. By next year, a total of no fewer than 27 models should be available on this basis in the global showrooms of Volkswagen brands.
In addition, however, there are currently more electric platforms. For example, the Audi E-tron (the SUV) is still ‘normal’ on the MLB platform of the A6, among others, while the Porsche Panamera and Audi E-Tron GT share a J1 platform based on the regular MSB platform.
PPE
In the future, this variation must be stopped where possible in order to standardize as many elements as possible. The first step towards that desired situation is the introduction of the previously announced PPE platform, which stands for Premium Platform Electric. The name says it all: it is a base intended for cars that are faster and more expensive than the MEB models.
SSP
From 2025, we must then start to see the first signs that a platform should eventually make both previous EV platforms obsolete. That is called SSP, Scalable Systems Platform, and the crux is mainly in that ‘Scalable’. SSP must be suitable for ‘all brands and segments’ and thus ensures even more uniformity. To reinforce the arrival of this platform, models appear that are expected to play a pioneering role in the EV field. Volkswagen talks about previously discussed projects Trinity and Artemis, but also about the still unknown Apollon. Count on unconventional and futuristic flagships that show what is possible with the new base.
Software
The introduction of the new platforms also includes new software. All future Volkswagen models must be based on the VW.OS operating system that was launched with the MEB cars (not entirely without problems). A new 1.2 version of the software will be launched with the PPE platform, while version 2.0 is planned for PPE vehicles in the second half of this decade. This means that the share of software developed by Volkswagen will increase from the current 10 percent to 60 percent.
Batteries
A third important pillar under Volkswagens efficiency drive relates to the construction of battery packs. These will also have to be completely modular in the future, built from a universally applicable battery cell, of which more or less will simply be glued together. Batteries built in this way must be found in 80 percent of the EVs of the Volkswagen group by 2030. To ensure that there are always enough batteries available, the Volkswagen group wants to build no fewer than six battery factories in Europe by the end of this decade.
Volkswagens CEO Herbert Diess is and remains ambitious: “Volkswagen must become the platform champion of the new mobility world. These plans explain nicely how we want to achieve that ”.