Volkswagen MEB+: More efficiency and flexibility in the electric platform

Volkswagen has released further details on the evolution of the Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB), which, with the addition of "+", is set to offer more range, efficiency, and modularity. For the first time, the company plans to scale the platform down to the small car segment with a 57 kWh battery, as shown in the ID. 2 concept at IAA 2021. So far, the efficiency of the drive system has been rather mediocre. The improved unit is intended to convert energy from the modularly installed new-generation lithium-ion batteries "unified cell" more sparingly and enable ranges of 400 to 700 kilometers in various versions. The charging speed for MEB+ is expected to be between 175 and 200 kW in the future. To date, more than 500,000 vehicles of the ID. family have been delivered on the dedicated electric platform introduced in 2019, with more than 670,000 vehicles delivered group-wide, 500,000 of them from the core brand.

In the coming years, and even before the completely new Trinity E-platform—which is currently delayed—arrives, the group plans to "substantially invest in the further development of the successful E-platform," as stated. In addition to charging and storage technology, the company particularly aims to improve the digital infrastructure. Significant advances are also promised in automated driving functions. Furthermore, the model range based on the MEB platform will be significantly expanded - by 2026, ten new Volkswagen E-models will be launched, including an entry-level model priced around 25,000 euros, according to the announcement from Wolfsburg. New cars are also planned in the performance and premium segments.