Volkswagen Builds Inexpensive BEV Platform for China

Volkswagen announces an entry-level battery-electric vehicle platform to be developed for China where automakers are slashing costs in the world's biggest auto market.

Reuters reports the German auto giant hopes to cut production costs by using locally sourced materials in the vehicle’s construction. Volkswagen’s China chief, Ralf Brandstaetter, reveals plans for the A Main Platform that will be tailored to Chinese consumer tastes.

It will be based on the VW Group’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) and be ready for market in 2026. Brandstaetter adds that the automaker plans to introduce 10 more EV models globally by 2026 and speed up its time to market for new models from four years to closer to the 2.5-year average to match its Chinese rivals.

VW plans to build four models on the new platform priced between 140,000 yuan ($19,400) and 170,000 yuan ($23,890) to compete in a segment currently dominated by gasoline and gasoline hybrid vehicles. The cars would be produced by its joint ventures with SAIC and FAW.

Brandstaetter says, “We will increase the efficiency of our development processes and be able to shorten the time it takes to bring products to Chinese customers by 30% while ensuring we are catering to their specific needs.”