I think many EV fans and followers have been impressed and optimistic about Volkswagen Group’s focus on electrification in recent years — basically, since the big Dieselgate scandal shook everything up. Volkswagen Group came up with one of the first big plans from legacy automakers to roll out dozens of fully electric models, and to make their electrification push their primary focus.
That’s where Xpeng steps in. Xpeng, as a young “smart vehicle” startup created by tech guys, is one of the best in the world at seamlessly and attractively integrating high-quality tech and software into its vehicles. It may be struggling to scale up and stand above the crowd in the highly competitive Chinese market, and now also, but I still think it’s one of the most advanced, best carmakers on the planet. Volkswagen Group apparently thinks so as well.
Here’s a bit more: “Together with XPENG, Volkswagen is introducing the China Electrical Architecture , a zonal Electrical/Electronic architecture. Jointly developed by experts from XPENG, Volkswagen China Technology Company and CARIAD China, the CEA will ensure the rapid expansion of digital services in the Volkswagen brand’s China-specific vehicles. Advanced features such as autonomous driving can be seamlessly integrated and continuously updated and extended ‘over the air’ .
Overall, I’m very bullish on this partnership. Volkswagen has a great legacy brand, but it will benefit tremendously from a partnership that can put it on the cutting edge of modern tech again. Meanwhile, Xpeng could use some extra work and could benefit from a more stable stream of demand. We’ll see.CleanTechnica
as its director, chief editor, and CEO. Zach is recognized globally as an electric vehicle, solar energy, and energy storage expert. He has presented about cleantech at conferences in India, the UAE, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, and Curaçao.