Last week, Volkswagen Group hosted an investor meeting where they shared updated details about their Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). The SSP is a highly modular electric vehicle platform that’s slated to form the foundation for most vehicles across the VW Group’s array of brands.
The SSP was first introduced by former VW Group CEO Herbert Diess in 2021, who mentioned a compact model from the Volkswagen brand, code-named Project Trinity, would debut the platform in 2026. However, current CEO Oliver Blume postponed the platform’s launch, subjecting all major projects to a thorough review following his succession to Diess in 2022.
In the recent investor meeting, the VW Group confirmed that the SSP platform is back on schedule for a 2026 launch, and with enhanced performance to boot. They didn’t disclose which vehicle would showcase it first.
The SSP platform, as shared in the presentation, will accommodate power outputs that vary from 160 hp to an impressive 1,740 hp or more. It will also come equipped with automated driver-assist technology rated at Level 4 on the SAE self-driving capability scale, meaning the vehicle can operate independently for extended durations without any driver intervention.
The SSP platform will also incorporate a significantly higher proportion of standardized components than existing platforms used by the automaker. This includes a standardized battery with a shared cell that can be charged from 10-80% in only 12 minutes with a DC fast charger. The majority of VW Group’s vehicles, approximately 80%, will utilize these common cells. The cells will predominantly be provided by PowerCo, the VW Group’s own battery company established in 2022.
The incorporation of standardized components will allow VW Group to drastically reduce its EV manufacturing costs. Consequently, most EVs built on the SSP platform are expected to have comparable profit margins to their gas-powered counterparts. The automaker anticipates that capital expenditure and development costs for SSP platform vehicles should be around 30% lower than comparable vehicles based on the MEB platform, VW Group’s current platform for mainstream EVs.
Additionally, specific brands within the VW Group will be assigned to develop unique versions of the SSP to facilitate faster development. VW brand will handle versions for minicars and small models. Audi will focus on compact and mid-sized segments, while Porsche will develop versions for larger segments. Porsche’s SSP Sport, one such version, will form the basis for a new three-row SUV planned for around 2027. Porsche will also manage its own EV platforms for sports models like the anticipated electric 718 coming around 2025, and a potential electric hypercar planned for the latter part of the decade.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Volkswagen SSP Platform
What is the Volkswagen Group’s SSP Platform?
The SSP, or Scalable Systems Platform, is a highly modular electric vehicle platform being developed by Volkswagen Group. It is planned to serve as the foundation for the majority of vehicles across the automaker’s brands.
When is the SSP platform expected to be introduced?
The SSP platform is scheduled for launch in 2026.
What improvements does the SSP platform promise?
The SSP platform is designed to accommodate power outputs from 160 hp to over 1,740 hp and support Level 4 automated driver-assist technology. It will also incorporate a significantly higher proportion of standardized parts, including a battery with a common cell that can be charged from 10-80% in only 12 minutes.
How will the SSP platform affect the cost of EV production?
The use of standardized components in the SSP platform is expected to drastically reduce the manufacturing costs of Volkswagen’s EVs, with anticipated capital expenditure and development costs for SSP-based vehicles being around 30% lower than those of the current MEB platform.
What brands will be involved in developing the SSP platform?
Different brands within the VW Group will develop unique versions of the SSP to facilitate faster development. The VW brand will handle versions for minicars and small models, Audi will focus on compact and mid-size segments, while Porsche will develop versions for larger segments.
More about Volkswagen SSP Platform
- Volkswagen Group’s Electric Vehicle Strategy
- What is SSP Platform?
- Understanding Level 4 Autonomous Driving
- The Future of Electric Vehicles with VW
- Introduction to PowerCo – VW Group’s Battery Company
5 comments
i’m excited for the level 4 autonomy! Driving long distance could be a breeze with that. Love what VW’s doing here.
1740 hp? That’s some serious power output, wonder how they’ll manage the heat problems that comes with fast charging and such high performance…
Standardised parts sound good! should lower the costs and make EVs more affordable for everyone. Looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
So porsche’s working on their own platform for sport models…interesting. Can’t wait to see an electric hypercar from them, that’ll be something!
whoa! 12 min charging is seriously fast! Hope this isn’t just another promise that doesn’t deliver. Fingers crossed…