Volkswagen switches strategy to embrace range-extender hybrids to keep pace with its Chinese rivals
The Volkswagen Group has gone back to the drawing board when it comes to its inbound next-generation EV architecture to ensure it can package a range-extender powertrain when it launches next year.
The Scalable System Platform (SSP) was originally planned to just cater for EVs and designed to slash costs by reducing the total number of platforms from five architectures to just one.
Now, slowing EV sales have seen VW splash out on a costly reengineering exercise design to see the SSP capable of packaging a combustion engine.
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According to Motor1, as well as the extra cost, bolting on range-extender capability might delay the platform’s 2026 launch date.
Mirroring other Chinese carmakers, the new tech will reportedly see future VWs offered with the option of a small petrol-powered engine used to charge a battery to boost the range. A similar system was favoured by the original and pioneering BMW i3.
Volkswagen’s fledgling Scout brand has already announced it will launch a ute and SUV that will both be available with a range-extender hybrid, while the most recent Volkswagen ID.Era concept – a three-row SUV developed alongside the brand’s Chinese partner SAIC – will feature the tech from the production car’s launch.
When introduced, the SSP will underpin all EVs in the Volkswagen Group, with the brand releasing a teaser with five body styles, from a small hatch to large SUV.
In total, a reported eight derivatives will be spun off the platform, with analysts suggesting SSP-based vehicles are still on track for launch in China in 2026 first, with Europe set to get vehicles based on the state-of-the-art platform a year later than planned, in 2027.
Some reports suggest the range-extenders might even be limited to China, with the European region favouring traditional plug-in hybrids instead.
Of all the SSP-underpinned vehicles, the most important to VW will be the next Mk9 Golf that switches to EV-only, although the Mk8.5 version will have its production home moved to Mexico where it will remain on sale until 2035.
There’s no indication if a range-extender version of the 2028 Golf is in the pipeline yet or if the tech will be reserved for large vehicles.
