Photo: Audi
Audi is reportedly looking to buy a turnkey EV platform from a Chinese company in a bid to overcome the lack of progress with Volkswagen Group's EV program. If proven true, the information will mark a new low for the German company, whose EV projects have been pushed toward the end of the decade.
Volkswagen Group is in a dire situation because its EV programs are delayed by years. Despite planning to launch several EV-dedicated platforms by 2025, those projects have been pushed back, some toward the end of the decade. The Volkswagen Group was left with the aging MEB platform for most of its projects, and customers started to notice its shortcomings. This affected sales, so recently, Volkswagen announced slashing production at its main EV factory in Emden. This is affecting the ID.7's launch timeline, as the electric sedan deliveries are now pushed toward the end of the year.
The situation looks worse in China, where the EV market is more mature than in Europe or the US. Tesla and local companies like BYD, NIO, Geely, and others make up the bulk of EV sales in the country, thanks to a combination of cutting-edge technology and affordable prices. In the meantime, Volkswagen brands are bleeding market share. In the case of Audi, this has led to the demise of CEO Markus Deusmann, who will be replaced by Gernot Doellner on September 1.
A new report by Automobilwoche claims that Audi is trying to accelerate its EV program by acquiring a turnkey EV platform from a Chinese company. This should help shorten the development time for its new models previewed by the Sphere-themed concepts. According to the German publication, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has already approved Audi's plan. A meeting board scheduled this week should make it official if the report is accurate. On the other hand, Audi said it had no knowledge of any discussion about buying a new platform.
Volkswagen Group's most advanced EV architecture, Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), was meant to replace the MEB and the PPE (Premium Platform Electric). While the MEB service life has been extended with a mild refresh recently, the PPE does not yet have a production vehicle. It will underpin the Audi A6 e-tron, Audi Q6 e-tron, and the upcoming Porsche Macan EV, but the program is marred by software problems. These delays and the management change at Volkswagen Group have pushed the SSP back to 2029, a significant setback.
Audi is reportedly in talks with several Chinese companies to supply the EV platform, although the Automobilwoche report doesn't mentions names. BYD and BAIC have automotive platforms that Audi could use. Geely is another option, thanks to its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that might be offered to other OEMs as an open-source solution. Finally, contract manufacturer Foxconn is also interested in selling its EV architecture, Mobility in Harmony (MIH).
The situation looks worse in China, where the EV market is more mature than in Europe or the US. Tesla and local companies like BYD, NIO, Geely, and others make up the bulk of EV sales in the country, thanks to a combination of cutting-edge technology and affordable prices. In the meantime, Volkswagen brands are bleeding market share. In the case of Audi, this has led to the demise of CEO Markus Deusmann, who will be replaced by Gernot Doellner on September 1.
A new report by Automobilwoche claims that Audi is trying to accelerate its EV program by acquiring a turnkey EV platform from a Chinese company. This should help shorten the development time for its new models previewed by the Sphere-themed concepts. According to the German publication, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has already approved Audi's plan. A meeting board scheduled this week should make it official if the report is accurate. On the other hand, Audi said it had no knowledge of any discussion about buying a new platform.
Volkswagen Group's most advanced EV architecture, Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), was meant to replace the MEB and the PPE (Premium Platform Electric). While the MEB service life has been extended with a mild refresh recently, the PPE does not yet have a production vehicle. It will underpin the Audi A6 e-tron, Audi Q6 e-tron, and the upcoming Porsche Macan EV, but the program is marred by software problems. These delays and the management change at Volkswagen Group have pushed the SSP back to 2029, a significant setback.
Audi is reportedly in talks with several Chinese companies to supply the EV platform, although the Automobilwoche report doesn't mentions names. BYD and BAIC have automotive platforms that Audi could use. Geely is another option, thanks to its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that might be offered to other OEMs as an open-source solution. Finally, contract manufacturer Foxconn is also interested in selling its EV architecture, Mobility in Harmony (MIH).
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