German automaker Volkswagen has announced that it is developing a new modular electric vehicle platform called MEB+, which will appear as an advanced and evolved version of the much-hyped MEB architecture. The automaker claims that the upcoming MEB+ electric vehicle architecture will take the capabilities of the MEB platform to the next level. It also describes that MEB+ will appear as the next iteration of MEB. This new electric vehicle architecture is said to be expected to achieve a range of 700 kilometers and a fast charging capability of 200 kilowatts.
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Volkswagen also said the platform will ensure improved charging and storage technology as well as enhanced digital connectivity infrastructure. MEB+ is also said to bring about a major leap forward in autonomous driving technology. The new EV architecture will use Volkswagen’s next-generation battery packs, which will be built using so-called unit cells, or prismatic unified cells. These advanced batteries will be key to improving the range and charging times of automakers’ future electric vehicles. Currently, the fastest charging power supported by the MEB platform is 135 kW. In this case, MEB+ will be a major leap forward from the existing EV architecture.
The German auto giant believes the implementation of MEB+ will help it significantly expand its model lineup. Volkswagen has pledged to launch at least 10 new electric vehicles under its core brand by 2026. These will include an entry-level model as well as a number of performance and premium cars. These upcoming EVs are likely to be based on the MEB+ architecture. However, the automaker has yet to confirm this, nor a timeline for these launches.
Speaking of the much-hyped MEB platform, Volkswagen introduced this architecture when it launched the Volkswagen ID.3 in 2019. This modular platform currently supports more than 670,000 electric vehicles across the group. That includes just over 500,000 Volkswagen EVs, while others come from brands like Audi, Skoda, Cupra and more.
First published date: December 8, 2022 at 11:04 AM CST
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