Volkswagen Group Technology bundling competencies to become a technology leader in e-mobility. The group-owned technology provider is in charge of the fundamental technologies battery, charging, and e-components and already provides around 40% of the value added to cars based on the MEB.
Volkswagen Group Technology is the primary technology provider for the Volkswagen Group’s electric cars. In the case of Volkswagen’s latest flagship, the ID.7, the division provides almost 40% of overall value added, including a fully new, extremely efficient electric powertrain generation. This was revealed today at the Vienna Motor Symposium 2023 by Thomas Schmall, Member of Group Technology’s Board of Management. Volkswagen Group Technology has already equipped over 580,000 MEB cars with high-tech components since September 2020, making it one of the largest suppliers in the world of e-mobility.
“Our goal is to be the technology leader in e-mobility as well. That is why we focus on scalability, competitive vertical integration and the further expansion of our comprehensive internal competencies.In doing so, we relying on our decades of experience in the development of technologically leading, competitive components for combustion technology and on our strong position in e-mobility, which we have successively established over the past years.” Thomas Schmall, Member of the board of management of Volkswagen AGfor Technology:
The new APP550 electric drive is extremely efficient.
The ID.7 introduced a completely new, extremely efficient drive generation known internally as the APP550, which is distinguished by better performance and improved efficiency.
Technically, the unit is based on an improved stator with a greater effective number of windings and a bigger wire cross-section. The rotor, on the other hand, is outfitted with more strong and robust permanent magnets. The use of specific electrical sheets and advanced manufacturing methods also assures a more efficient overall system.
The new unit was created in partnership with Volkswagen Passenger Cars Technical Development and will be utilised in future MEB models. Volkswagen Group Technology in Kassel is responsible for production. Kassel is the Group-wide expertise centre for the electric drive system, with over 15 years of experience in electric drive development.
In addition to the electric powertrain, Volkswagen Group Technology develops and manufactures a wide range of additional technological components for the Group brands’ MEB vehicles. The battery system, axle systems, and chassis are supplied by plants in Braunschweig, Kassel, Salzgitter, and Hanover.
Volkswagen Group Technology is presently collaborating with Volkswagen Passenger Cars on the future electric drive system. Volkswagen is creating its own pulse inverter and thermal management in order to achieve this goal. The first “designed by Volkswagen” pulse inverter is presently in mass production and can already be utilised with the next MEB generation. The modular architecture allows for the future realisation of a whole spectrum of engines, from entry-level engines to sports vehicles with 500 kW and more power. The Volkswagen drive system provides significant cost and efficiency benefits, with up to 20% higher efficiency attainable through the optimal combination of individual components.
Volkswagen Group Technology unifies the Group’s efforts in the areas of batteries, charging, and e-components and serves as a group-wide technology provider to the brands. PowerCo (battery) and Elli (charging & energy) are also affiliated here. PowerCo’s high-tech portfolio includes the unified cell, which will be manufactured beginning in 2025 and will establish a new standard in battery technology. The Platform Business segment also includes collaboration with external partners such as Ford and Mahindra.
