Volkswagen Is Working On A Basis For Cheap Chinese EVs

Sometime in the second half of this decade, Volkswagen will launch an affordable electric car. This compact electric newcomer should have a starting price of around €20,000 and will therefore be one step below the production version of the ID2all Concept. After all, this will be a Polo-sized EV with an expected entry price of €25,000. Reuters reports that Volkswagen also wants to win over Chinese consumers with an affordable EV, and it is even developing a special platform for this.

According to Reuters, the base to be developed for the Chinese market will be called ‘A Main Platform’. The piece of hardware is said to be fully tailored to the wishes of the Chinese consumer. This platform, like the cars that will be on it, should also be constructed to a relatively large extent from parts from Chinese suppliers. For example, the displays to be used in the interior would be 37 percent cheaper than the ones that Volkswagen installs in its international models. The basis is not completely new, the A-Main Platform is said to be a derivative of the MEB platform. Reuters bases its reporting on statements from none other than Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter.

Just like the compact Volkswagen EV intended for Europe, which should cost less than 20 grand, the affordable Chinese electric Volkswagens on the A Main Platform will also only be available in a few years. The first model is planned for 2026. For the time being, Volkswagen is said to have four models on the A Main Platform. The brand would aim for prices from €18,000 to around €23,000 for this series of EVs. They are to be built together with VW’s joint venture partner, FAW. In its hunt for a Chinese EV buyer, Volkswagen previously joined forces with the Chinese Xpeng. Volkswagen will use an older platform from that brand for at least two EVs.