Volkswagen’s new MEB+ platform offers more range & faster charging

KUALA LUMPUR: Up until now, all of Volkswagen’s efforts aimed towards electrification were based on its modular electric platform, the MEB. On the same architecture, the automaker introduced the small Cupra Born hatchback and the big ID. Buzz Kombi van. The said platform is used in more than 67,000 cars, produced by a variety of brands under the VW group.

The German automaker has now however upgraded its modular electric platform. Called the MEB+, the new, upgraded platform will enable future EVs to have more range and charging speed.

The automaker’s official statement on the matter said that it will continue “investing substantially in its further development in order to leverage the full potential of this successful platform and ensure that it remains competitive.”

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Volkswagen MEB+ platform’s key highlights -

• New generation ‘unit cell’ batteries, manufactured at VW Group’s cell factory at Salzgitter
• The new ‘unit cell’ battery tech will enable the range to go up to 700 km and significantly hike the charging time

• The new platform will be an improvement over the previous-gen architecture autonomous driving functions via improved digital infrastructure
• The new platform will help VW meet its EV range expectations, with 10 new models scheduled to arrive by 2026
• The new range of models based on the MEB+ platform will include entry-level models (priced at around RM 116k), fully-electric SUVs (codenamed e-SUV), and other models within premium & performance segments

“The MEB still has significant potential. Our ambition is to take this platform to the next level. To that end, we are making substantial investments in advancing this technology. The MEB+ puts us in an excellent position for the coming years,” said Thomas Schafer, VW CEO.

On a similar note, Volkswagen a while back, in 2021, announced the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). Designed as a successor of MEB, the SSP will be seen supporting the upcoming VW Trinity EV project which is planned to make a debut in 2026.

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