XPeng and Volkswagen Group have signed an agreement to jointly develop a next-generation electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture, which will be used in vehicles from both brands across multiple platforms and powertrains in China.
XPeng says that this new architecture has been developed for electric vehicle (EV) platforms. However, it can also be adapted to internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platforms, and will come with support for over-the-air (OTA) updates.
The new architecture will be featured in upcoming Volkswagen EV, ICE, and PHEV platforms in China. This collaboration will unify vehicle technology across both brands, improving scalability, reducing costs through shared platforms, accelerating the rollout times of vehicles, and boosting competitiveness, the companies claim.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Volkswagen Group China and Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen for China, Ralf Brandstätter, said, “We do not confine technological excellence to a single powertrain type. Our brands are committed to delivering the most advanced solutions for customers in every segment. By extending the China Electronic Architecture to our robust combustion engine fleet, we are strengthening our technological leadership in the conventional powertrain sector.”
ALSO READ: Volkswagen Touareg says Toodaloo as flagship SUV faces the chopping board
“At the same time, we are systematically reducing our cost base, enabling us to continue offering highly attractive choices to customers in China’s intensely competitive automotive market. This will reinforce the company’s economic resilience, create capacity for targeted investment in cutting-edge innovations, and advance our journey toward fully connected, intelligent electric mobility,” he added.
