Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform: Revolutionizing Electric Vehicle Technology

The Volkswagen Group recently held an investor presentation to provide an update on its plans for a highly modular electric vehicle platform known as Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). This platform is expected to underpin most of the vehicles in the automaker’s portfolio of brands. The SSP platform, first announced in 2021 by former VW Group CEO Herbert Diess, was initially set to debut in 2026 in a Volkswagen-branded compact model called Project Trinity. However, the platform’s introduction was delayed by the current CEO, Oliver Blume, pending a review of all major projects. During the recent investor presentation, the VW Group confirmed that the SSP platform is back on track for a 2026 debut, boasting improved performance. While the automaker did not disclose the specific vehicle that will showcase the SSP platform, it shared exciting details about the platform’s capabilities.

Superior Performance and Advanced Technology

According to the VW Group, the SSP platform will offer a wide range of power options, starting from 160 horsepower and going up to more than 1740 horsepower. This impressive power range will cater to different vehicle segments and meet the varied needs of customers. In addition to raw power, the SSP platform will feature advanced driver assistance technology that enables Level 4 autonomous driving capability. Level 4 autonomy implies that a vehicle can operate without driver input for extended periods. This cutting-edge technology positions the SSP platform as a game-changer in the electric vehicle market, merging performance with safety and convenience.

Streamlined Manufacturing and Standardized Parts

One of the key advantages of the SSP platform is its utilization of standardized parts, leading to streamlined manufacturing processes and reduced costs. The SSP platform will introduce common battery cells that can be found in approximately 80% of VW Group vehicles. These standardized battery cells will be supplied primarily by VW Group’s battery company, Powerco, which was established in 2022. The use of common battery cells allows for faster and more efficient production, while also enabling faster charging times. In fact, the battery cells used in the SSP platform will only require 12 minutes to charge from 10 to 80% when using a DC fast charger. This significantly enhances the practicality and usability of electric vehicles, addressing one of the major concerns of potential buyers.

Cost Reduction and Comparable Margins

By adopting standardized parts and optimizing production processes, VW Group aims to significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of its electric vehicles. The automaker predicts that SSP-based electric vehicles will achieve margins comparable to those of their gasoline-powered counterparts. This cost reduction is a significant milestone in the electric vehicle industry, as it narrows the price gap between electric and conventional vehicles. VW Group estimates that the capital expenditures and development costs of vehicles based on the SSP platform will be approximately 30% lower than those of comparable vehicles based on the current MEB platform designed for conventional electric vehicles. This cost advantage will not only benefit VW Group but also its customers, making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable.

Brand-Specific Development for Faster Progression

VW Group recognizes the importance of brand-specific development to expedite the progression of the SSP platform. Each brand within the group will take charge of developing different versions of the platform tailored to their respective segments. The VW brand will focus on versions that support minicars and other small models, while Audi will be responsible for versions in the compact and medium segments. Porsche, known for its high-performance vehicles, will develop versions for the large segments. An exciting development from Porsche is the introduction of the SSP Sport platform, which will underpin a new three-row SUV planned for release around 2027. Additionally, Porsche will continue to cultivate its own EV platforms for sports models such as the electric 718 set to mature around 2025 and a potential electric hypercar scheduled for the second half of the decade.

Expanding the Boundaries of Electric Mobility

The Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) from Volkswagen Group promises to revolutionize the electric vehicle landscape. With its superior performance, advanced technology, streamlined manufacturing processes, and cost reduction measures, the SSP platform sets a new benchmark for electric vehicles. By incorporating standardized parts and brand-specific development, VW Group aims to bring electric mobility to the masses without compromising on quality or performance. The introduction of the SSP platform in 2026 marks a major milestone in the automaker’s journey toward sustainable and affordable transportation.

The Impact of the Scalable Systems Platform on the Electric Vehicle Industry

The Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) developed by Volkswagen Group represents a significant step forward in the electric vehicle industry. This groundbreaking platform not only addresses the limitations of current electric vehicle technologies but also paves the way for a more sustainable and accessible future. Let’s delve deeper into the impact of the SSP platform and explore the potential it holds.

Enhancing Performance and Safety

One of the key highlights of the SSP platform is its ability to provide a wide range of power options, catering to different vehicle segments. From compact city cars to high-performance sports models, the SSP platform can support power outputs ranging from 160 horsepower to more than 1740 horsepower. This unparalleled versatility opens up new possibilities for electric vehicles, offering superior acceleration, top speeds, and towing capacities.

Furthermore, the SSP platform’s advanced driver assistance technology enables Level 4 autonomous driving capability. With this technology, vehicles can navigate complex road conditions, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, and even change lanes autonomously. This not only enhances safety but also improves overall driving convenience.

Standardized Parts and Cost Reduction

The adoption of standardized parts in the SSP platform has far-reaching implications for the electric vehicle industry. By using common battery cells and other components, VW Group can streamline its manufacturing processes and achieve significant cost reductions. This cost advantage, combined with the economies of scale generated by the widespread use of standardized parts, allows VW Group to offer electric vehicles with comparable margins to their gasoline-powered counterparts.

Reducing the manufacturing costs of electric vehicles is a crucial step towards mass adoption. As production costs decrease, the price gap between electric and conventional vehicles narrows, making electric vehicles more accessible to a broader range of consumers. The SSP platform’s cost reduction measures bring us one step closer to achieving a sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Accelerating Innovation with Brand-Specific Development

VW Group’s decision to assign brand-specific development responsibilities for the SSP platform demonstrates its commitment to innovation and progress. Each brand within the group brings its unique strengths, expertise, and market focus to the table, enabling faster development and customization for different segments.

Audi’s involvement in developing versions for the compact and medium segments ensures that the SSP platform meets the specific requirements of these vehicle categories. Likewise, Porsche’s expertise in high-performance vehicles guarantees that the larger segments benefit from cutting-edge technology and thrilling driving experiences. This brand-specific development approach fosters healthy competition and drives continuous innovation within the VW Group.

Redefining the Electric Vehicle Landscape

The Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) from Volkswagen Group has the potential to reshape the electric vehicle landscape. By delivering superior performance, advanced technology, and cost reduction measures, the SSP platform addresses key challenges and limitations of current electric vehicle technologies.

As the SSP platform debuts in 2026, consumers can anticipate a new era of electric vehicles that rival their gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of performance, practicality, and affordability. With improved power options, enhanced safety features, reduced manufacturing costs, and brand-specific developments, the SSP platform sets new standards for electric mobility.

The Volkswagen Group recently presented its highly modular electric vehicle platform, known as Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which will underpin most vehicles in its portfolio. The platform was initially set to debut in 2026 but was delayed by the current CEO for further review. During the recent investor presentation, VW Group confirmed that the SSP platform is back on track for a 2026 release, offering significant advancements in performance and technology. The platform will support power outputs ranging from 160 to over 1740 horsepower and will feature Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities. The SSP platform utilizes standardized parts, including common battery cells that can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 12 minutes using a DC fast charger. This standardized approach allows for streamlined manufacturing processes and significant cost reductions, making electric vehicles more affordable. The different brands within VW Group will be responsible for developing specific versions of the SSP platform tailored to their respective segments. This brand-specific development approach will lead to faster progression and continuous innovation within the group. The introduction of the SSP platform marks a significant milestone in the electric vehicle industry, bringing us closer to a sustainable and accessible future of transportation.

The Volkswagen Group held an investor presentation last week in which it provided an update on plans for a highly modular electric vehicle platform known as Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) that will eventually underpin most of the vehicles in the automaker’s portfolio of brands.

The SSP platform was first announced in 2021 by former VW Group CEO Herbert Diess, who at the time said the platform would debut in 2026 in a Volkswagen-branded compact model. codenamed Project Trinity. However, the current CEO of the VW Group, Oliver Blume delayed the introduction of the platform pending a review of all major projects, which began after replacing Diess in 2022.

During the recent investor presentation, VW Group said the SSP platform is back on track for a 2026 presentation, and with improved performance. However, the automaker did not say which vehicle it will debut in.

According to the VW Group presentation, the SSP platform will support powers ranging from 160 hp to more than 1740 hp. It will also offer automated driver assistance technology classified in Level 4 on the SAE scale of autonomous driving capability, the automaker said. Level 4 means that a vehicle can drive itself without driver input for long periods of time.

The SSP platform will also use many more standardized parts compared to the current platforms the automaker uses, including the battery, which have a common cell and require only 12 minutes to charge from 10 to 80% when using a DC fast charger. Common cells will be used in approximately 80% of VW Group vehicles and will be supplied mainly by VW Group’s own battery company. known as Powercowhich was established in 2022.

The use of standardized parts means that VW Group will be able to dramatically reduce the manufacturing costs of its electric vehicles to the point that most SSP-based electric vehicles will have margins similar to those of comparable gasoline-powered vehicles. According to the automaker, the capital expenditures and development costs of vehicles based on the SSP platform should be around 30% lower than comparable vehicles based on VW Group’s current MEB platform designed for conventional electric vehicles.

Certain brands will also have responsibility for developing different versions of the SSP to help speed development. The VW brand will be in charge of the versions that support the minicars and other small models. Audi will develop versions for the compact and medium segments, and Porsche will develop versions for large segments. At least one version Porsche is developing, called SSP Sport, will underpin a new three-row SUV which Porsche plans to launch around 2027. Porsche will also have its own EV platforms for sports models like the electric 718 maturing around 2025 and a potential electric hypercar scheduled for the second half of the decade.