According to a November 2022 report from Germany, Volkswagen put the Project Trinity flagship EV and the new plant planned to be constructed in Wolfsburg for it and other SSP-based models by 2026, under review, according to InsideEVs.
Manager Magazin suggested that VW may not open the Project Trinity factory until 2030, a significant delay if the rumor makes out to be true. Per the latest reports, the company will decide whether it needs a new plant for the Project Trinity in February next year.
In a new announcement on its media website, Volkswagen revealed that MEB would be evolving into MEB+, an improvement that will take the electric vehicle-only architecture to the next level.
MEB+ platform
The automaker describes it as “the next generation of the MEB.” The company says it will invest in the e-platform’s further development, resulting in enhanced digital infrastructure, improved charging and storage technology, and “significant leaps” in automated driving functions.
More specifically, the MEB+ will use VW’s new generation of batteries known as unit cell or prismatic unified cell, allowing up to 700 km (435 miles) driving range.
In addition, MEB+ will significantly improve charging times, with VW stating 175-200 kW speeds will be possible in the future. In contrast, the current fastest charging backed by MEB is 135 kW.
VW to launch 10 EVs by 2026
The MEB+ implementation will also result in an expanded model lineup, with the automaker promising to launch ten new EVs under its core brand by 2026, which includes an entry-level model for around €25,000 ($26,230).
Speaking of, Volkswagen said new additions are also being planned in the premium and performance segments. However, it didn’t say when the first MEB+ model would be launched.
Volkswagen’s SSP platform
On the other hand, the manufacturer didn’t mention the upcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which was originally supposed to premiere in 2026. Billed as a replacement for MEB, it currently looks like the SSP platform will donate several of its features to the MEB+ platform, like the new-gen batteries.
With its estimated charging speeds, MEB+ will likely come with the MEB’s 400-volt architecture, with an 800-volt system reportedly coming in as early as 2028 as part of the more advanced SSP platform.
Released by the end of 2019 on the ID.3, the MEB platform underpins over 670,000 vehicles delivered across the Group, including over 500,000 EVs from the VW brand alone.
At present, a dozen vehicle models from the Volkswagen, Cupra, Skoda, Audi, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands are being produced on the electric architecture.
