In a recent event, the CEO of Volkswagen Thomas Schäfer revealed that the company plans to launch its next-generation electric cars on the SSP Chassis in 2028. However, there are no details regarding the model that will debut on the new platform. However, VW Group has confirmed that it will be a mechatronics platform with different versions for different vehicle segments.
Volkswagen’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) is an innovative and versatile architecture designed by the brand to streamline the development of its next-generation electric vehicles. This platform represents a significant shift towards a unified, highly adaptable structure that will underpin a wide range of models across Volkswagen’s brands, including Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen itself.
There are several EV platforms used by VW from multiple versions of MEB to the PPE platform or the J1 platform that is exclusively used for the Porsche Taycan. However, it is said that the recently announced SSP platform is set to replace most of the existing Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) and Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architectures. Volkswagen aims to reduce complexity and production costs by integrating all the platforms into a single one while enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of vehicle development. This consolidation will allow the SSP to cater to a variety of vehicle types, from compact cars to luxury sedans and SUVs.
Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform
One of the standout features of the SSP is its advanced digital and software integration. The SSP platform will support the latest in autonomous driving technologies with the capabilities that could potentially reach Level 4 autonomy. This means the vehicles built on the SSP will be able to handle driving tasks with minimal human intervention significantly improving safety and convenience.
Volkswagen is planning to leverage the SSP to produce more than 40 million vehicles over its time period, reflecting its ambition to lead the electric vehicle market. The first high-volume vehicle based on the SSP is expected to debut around 2026, with the Volkswagen Trinity project being one of the flagship models to showcase this platform. Additionally, Audi’s Artemis and Apollon projects will also be built on the SSP, highlighting the platform’s versatility across different brands and market segments.
Apart from that other significant aspect of the SSP platform is its openness to other manufacturers. Volkswagen is thinking of licensing the platform to other automakers just like how Ford has adopted the MEB platform for its electric vehicles. This strategy not only helps to spread the development costs but also establishes SSP as a potential industry standard for electric vehicle architectures.
Investment in the SSP is one of the parts of Volkswagen’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The platform is designed to be future-proof, accommodating advancements in battery technology and software updates seamlessly. This approach ensures that vehicles based on the SSP will remain at the cutting edge of technology and performance for years to come.
