German legacy automaker Volkswagen recently announced the successful production of its one-millionth electric vehicle model on the new MEB platform via its official Twitter account.
What is the MEB platform?
In contrast to Tesla, Volkswagen did not instantly commit to all-electric cars. Nevertheless, it had plans to develop and produce a specific EV platform, anticipating the auto industry’s shift to entirely electric vehicles in 2015.
The company initially introduced its first-ever EV-dedicated platform, Modular Electric Drive matrix (MEB), in 2018. At the same time, it boosted its electrification efforts with multiple concept launches, including the renowned Audi e-tron.
In addition, the MEB platform has served as the foundation of VW’s ID portfolio, along with models from the other VW brands. Specifically, the ID.3, ID.4 electric SUV, ID.5, ID.6 (China) currently utilize the MEB platform. The impending ID.7 model for the European market in late 2023 and the US next year will also use the same platform.
Apart from these models, other VW brands, including Audi, Cupra, and ŠKODA, also benefits from the EV-dedicated platform. Some of these models include the following:
- Audi Q4 e-tron
- Audi Q5 e-tron
- Cupra’s first electric car “Born“
- ŠKODA ENYAQ iV
In 2020, WV partnered with Ford to develop and produce two new EVs in Europe. The first was the all-electric Ford Explorer SUV launched in March, with a base price of about €45,000 (approximately $48,500).
What’s next?
Volkswagen Group announced that its five brands, Volkswagen, Audi, Cupra, ŠKODA, and Volkswagen commercial, are currently “pushing eight factories in China, Europe & US.”
The company is also apparently developing a compact MEB-based EV with Cupra, ŠKODA, and VW.
Volkswagen continues to work to further enhance the platform with the next-gen “MEB+.” It includes cutting-edge batteries that offer a range of more than 430 miles (700 km) and quick recharge.
See Also:
- Volkswagen MEB+ to offer more power, range and improved charging times
- Volkswagen plans for faster charging, longer range, higher power for its MEB platform
- Ford Capri to relaunch as an MEB-based EV
- Volkswagen ID.2 EV worldwide debut is expected on March 15
- Volkswagen will reveal full details of its ID.7 electric sedan in 2023
VW also aims to electrify 80% of its passenger cars by 2030 in the European market as it strives to be an all-electric brand in the future.
