Volkswagen Could Build a New EV Platform for the Phaeton
Volkswagen is investigating the possibility of adding an new all-electric platform to its portfolio that would support high-end sedans.
The BUDD-e Concept, a modern take on the classic VW Bus, was the first vehicle from the brand to use the new all-electric MEB platform. It was designed to support compact and light vehicles, driving them for up to 310 miles on a single charge. But it may not be enough to support the luxury vehicles that VW wants to electrify.
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VW says that the MEB platform should be ready by 2019, and the company’s engineers are already trying to find a way to use the platform for the big and heavy Phaeton flagship sedan. It is a scalable platform which means that the MEB can be stretched and its dimensions easily altered, but the Phaeton may simply be too large for the platform. When the MEB platform does launch, it is expected to underpin almost all of VW’s lineup from the small Polo to the midsize Passat.
In that case, Volkswagen would have to start from scratch once again, resulting in an electric vehicle platform that supports larger vehicles.
VW is also currently developing proprietary platforms for the Porsche Mission E electric sports car and the Audi e-tron Quattro.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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