Audi has initiated the production of electric motors for the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) EV platform, a joint venture with Porsche. The PPE platform has faced multiple delays, resulting in postponements for highly-anticipated electric vehicles (EVs) like the electric Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron.
The collaboration between Volkswagen’s premium brands, Audi and Porsche, was first announced in 2018, with the objective of developing the PPE platform. This platform is designed to enhance cost-efficiency, accelerate charging capabilities, and incorporate cutting-edge digitalization and autonomous driving features, ultimately expediting the launch of new Audi and Porsche electric models.
Originally, the debut of PPE-based models was anticipated before the conclusion of 2021. However, a series of setbacks have led to the postponement of the platform’s development. As a result, forthcoming EVs, including the all-electric Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron, have encountered several years of delays.
During a recent Volkswagen board of directors meeting, the company disclosed plans to further postpone the release of its 1.2 software, which powers new Porsche and Audi EVs, by 16-18 weeks.
Audi unveiled a significant milestone with the commencement of electric motor production at its manufacturing facility in Győr, Hungary. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner highlighted Győr’s aptitude for producing compact and efficient electric motors for the PPE platform. The site is also responsible for manufacturing drive systems for the Audi Q8 e-tron and establishing a production area for electric motors utilized in Volkswagen Group MEBeco-based vehicles.
Audi has established three production lines dedicated to electric motor manufacturing, employing approximately 700 staff members across three shifts. The facility is capable of producing up to 2,000 electric motors per day for the upcoming PPE platform, catering to both Porsche and Audi.
Gerd Walker, Audi Board Member for Production and Logistics, emphasized the significance of this milestone in preparing for the production of the Audi Q6 e-tron. The electric motors produced in Hungary will be utilized in the Audi Q6 e-tron, with production of the first PPE-based Audi model slated to commence by the end of the year.
Concurrently, the Porsche Macan EV, expected to be launched on the PPE platform, is anticipated to debut next year. Porsche’s production manager, Albrecht Reimold, expressed commitment to ensuring the Macan EV reaches customers by 2024, affirming their dedication to delivering on schedule.
