Platform MEB
If there is something that characterizes the VAG Group when making plans, that is the ambition. In the past decade, was proposed to be the world’s leading manufacturer by 2018, which is relatively close, and now the goal is to make one million electric and plug-in hybrids to the middle of the next decade.
To do this will have a range of 20 new models by 2020, across its multiple brands
Now Volkswagen produces and sells two electric models, e-Up! and e-Golf, based on versions of conventional. In the case of Golf, the MQB platform is ready for multiple types of motorization, but it is not the most optimized possible for an electric vehicle.
in Addition, there will be the Audi R8 e-tron, basically a toy for millionaires. In terms of plug-in hybrids, by order of importance, are the Volkswagen Golf GTE and Passat GTE, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron and Q7 e-tron quattro, and the Porsche Panamera S e-Hybrid and Cayenne S e-Hybrid. This year all of these models accumulate a volume in excess of 100,000 units from which they went out to the market.
Audi e-tron quattro Concept
The following steps consist of to widen the range, and give consumers more models to choose from. Advertised are the Porsche Mission And, which will be fully electric, like the SUV Audi e-tron quattro. The following small and medium models will be based on the next platform MEB, which is specifically designed for models 100% electric.
The optimal location for the batteries is located under the floor, using a structure that engineers call “chocolate”. In this way you can put batteries huge. We remember the prototype BUDD-e, shown at CES in Las Vegas, with a battery of 101 kWh, more than triple that has the latest Nissan Leaf, and more than a Tesla Model S P90D. This would allow for autonomy of 500 kilometers per charge.
This new platform has much more flexibility, and allows engineers to stretch it out more to create large and small models. For the spiritual successor to the Phaeton is being evaluated if the MEB can stretch to both, or if you will need a second global platform in VAG for large cars. Of time, the MEB will serve for cars from the Up! until the Passat, or its equivalent.
Porsche Mission and Concept
engineers suggest that, given that the MEB will not need that centre tunnel, it may be possible to create a car as big as the Phaeton in dimensions typical of smaller models. In other words, it is take advantage of the space in an extreme mode, as did the Morris Mini in the 50’s.
Both the future of Porsche as the future Audi, 100% electric, are not developing with platform MEB, already began to design before you make the choice to use a platform dedicated to electric cars. For example, BMW has done that with the i3 and the i8, own platform, with a chain of own production, with fixed costs very high for its rigid approach.
Now VAG has a flexible manufacturing system
The electric and plug-in hybrids VAG, not being exclusive models, are mounted in the same site as their relatives of an internal combustion engine. The assembly time per unit increases a bit, but you can adapt the production chain to a higher volume, in function of the demand.
The production cap of VAG is 75,000 plug-in to the year today.
Volkswagen BUDD-e Concept
it Is obvious that, even if you reach the maximum volume of production to 2025 would not have reached the million units. Hence they need more models. It is good that VAG is worry in pull out models to compete with Tesla, but they lose sight of the models of larger volume, which should be affordable and have a good autonomy to convince the public at large.
Nissan has sold since 2010, over 200,000 Leaf, the electric car more sold of the History. Although it does not stress autonomy as spectacular, but has managed to convince a mass audience. Volkswagen not only has a thorn, therefore, also have to greatly improve their public image in the wake of the scandal of the Dieselgate, and has to comply with the regulations of current emissions and in the draft stage.
The German group wants its electric models will end up giving you more reputation that their diesel engines TDI, now with a reputation that is very negative. However, the goal of a million is short compared with the number of Tesla that will run in 2025 by the world, as long as Elon Musk will sagan all their plans well.
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