XPeng and the Volkswagen Group have expanded their technical collaboration on electronic/electrical (E/E) architecture in China, extending its application from electric vehicles to internal combustion engine (ICE) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) platforms. The agreement follows the execution of a Master Agreement on E/E Architecture Technical Collaboration on July 22, 2024.
The Expanded Technical Collaboration aims to accelerate Volkswagen’s software-defined vehicle strategy, enabling faster software iteration, over-the-air updates, and shorter vehicle development cycles.
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Joint R&D teams have validated that the E/E Architecture originally developed for electric platforms can be adapted to ICE and PHEV vehicles, potentially enhancing economies of scale and product competitiveness in the Chinese market.
“The Expanded Technical Collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing strategic collaboration between XPENG and the Volkswagen Group… This Expanded Technical Collaboration not only underscores the mutual trust in our long-term strategic partnership but also highlights our commitment to and vision for continuous innovation in smart electric vehicle technologies,” said XPeng Chairman and CEO Xiaopeng He.
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Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, added that the project extends the E/E Architecture to combustion engine fleets, strengthening technological leadership while reducing costs and supporting investment in intelligent electric mobility.