VW's EV Masterplan Expands Beyond Just Batteries
After years of touting the SSP as its clean-sheet EV architecture, the German auto giant has revealed that SSP will also support internal combustion engines, though not in the traditional sense. Instead, VW is pivoting toward range-extending gas engines that generate electricity to charge batteries, not drive the wheels.
While VW may tout this as an evolution of the SSP architecture, the incorporation of a range-extender engine is more like a safety net for the brand. At this point, several automakers have already backpedaled from their all-EV push due to waning demand for BEVs. VW is one of them, and this is the company's solution.
The SSP architecture will still be fully electric at heart, but it will also accommodate range extenders. These are internal combustion engines used solely to generate power for the battery, with no mechanical link to the wheels.
Nissan's e-Power, which is reportedly reaching the US market, operates on the same principle as VW's SSP. The defunct Mazda MX-30 also got a similar upgrade with a rotary range extender, while VW Group's own Scout brand is also launching in the market with the same technology.
One of SSP's headline vehicles will be the ninth-generation VW Golf, which will be fully electric and will coexist with the current Mk8 Golf for several years. It's unclear whether there will be a range-extended version of the Golf, but we expect the model to arrive by 2029, so there is an allowance for adjustments to VW's plan.
In China, the world's biggest automotive market, Volkswagen already previewed the ID. Era concept, which features a gasoline-powered range extender. Of note, EV demand in China is also dropping, with range-extended EVs and plug-in hybrid gaining popularity.
Despite the expanded capabilities, VW doesn't expect this range-extended EV strategy to take hold everywhere. According to VW CEO Thomas Schäfer, Europe is unlikely to see SSP-based range extender models where plug-in hybrids remain the more viable option.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Porsche driver clocks 199MPH on Germany's infamous Autobahn
A German driver has been caught pushing his Porsche to the limit — hitting 199 miles per hour on the Bundesautobahn — better known as 'Die Autobahn.' Since some 70% of Germany's national highway is speed limit free, with its signs serving merely as recommendations and motorists urged to drive at around 80mph. The $125,000 vehicle was stopped in late July in Burg, in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, the Guardian reported. Advertisement 3 On the Autobahn, the fast lane is every lane. The driver was not identified by police, but now faces a potential fine of little more than $1,000. He could also see his license suspended for three months. Advertisement The Porsche Panamera can reach a top speed of 196mph, according to 3 There is no posted speed limit for a majority of the Autobahn. They may want to update their site. The driver was caught in a speed trap that'd been set up along a portion of the road where speeds are limited to 75mph. Advertisement But the record goes to a Bugatti driver who hit 259mph on the Autobahn back in 2021. Police accused that motorist of pulling his hands from the wheel for several seconds. 3 The Autobahn gets its fair share of traffic jams. Advertisement He may also have been caught while participating in an illegal street race, police said at the time. Not all Germans have a need for speed. Efforts have been ongoing for years to institute nationwide speed limits — but these have ultimately been stymied by driving clubs and the auto lobby.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Power company unveils game-changing facility that will transform electrical grid: 'Never imagined it would get this big'
Power company unveils game-changing facility that will transform electrical grid: 'Never imagined it would get this big' A new battery storage facility in Ontario, Canada, is pioneering electricity management on the grid and cleaner, more reliable energy. The Brantford Expositor reported that Northland Power and partners launched the Oneida Energy Storage facility in Nanticoke. The monumental project is Canada's first large-scale battery storage system. Oneida Energy Storage aims to solve a common problem in modern power grids. That is, balancing supply and demand with increasing renewable and nuclear energy. Large power generators — Ontario's nuclear plants — produce a steady supply of electricity. In times of low demand, there can be an excess of power. Negative electricity prices soon follow, where jurisdictions pay others to take their surplus. But during peak demand hours, the grid needs a rapid influx of power, and the Oneida facility addresses this by acting as a giant battery. It stores excess electricity when it's plentiful and cheap. Then, it releases electricity back into the grid when demand is high. The system reaches a balance and maximizes the value of clean energy sources. Using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, the technology is a safer, controllable alternative. Facility operations began in May. Its collaborators include NRStor, Aecon, the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC), and the Mississaugas of the Credit Business Corporation (MCBC). "The Oneida Battery Storage Project is a first-of-a-kind large battery project in Canada, here in Ontario," said Nick Zsofcsin, project director and head of energy storage for Northland Power. "This is one of the largest in the world, a really meaningful site when it comes to energy storage in general on a global scale." The project boasts a significant capacity of 250 megawatts at a four-hour duration. That's about 1% of Ontario's entire electricity grid. By 2050, Zsofcsin expects Ontario's peak electricity consumption to double. Do you think our power grid needs to be upgraded? Definitely Only in some states Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This project brings major benefits to both communities and the environment. Efficient storing and deploying of electricity integrates more clean energy onto the grid. It also reduces the reliance on fossil fuel power plants that cause air pollution and planet-overheating gases. The result is cleaner air for communities and a healthier planet. The Oneida facility provides notable socio-economic benefits as well. Valued at almost $700 million, the project created over 180 jobs during construction. Both the SNGRDC and the MCBC hold ownership stakes, and dividends from these investments will support their communities for the next two decades. "Our involvement in this project is one step towards wealth creation for First Nations," said Warren Sault, president and CEO of the MCBC. "Our involvement creates inspiration for community members to be involved in training and employment in the clean energy sector." "I just never imagined it would get this big," Zsofcsin added, reflecting on the vision behind this massive undertaking. The Oneida Energy Storage facility is a powerful example of large-scale battery technology. Effective battery storage is becoming a cornerstone of modern grids. Global adoption of energy solutions will create a sustainable energy future. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Business Insider
3 hours ago
- Business Insider
Bayern Munich ends commercial sponsorship deal with Rwanda, shifts to football development
German football giants, Bayern Munich has officially ended its commercial sponsorship agreement with the government of Rwanda, concluding a partnership that had aimed to promote the East African nation as a tourism and investment destination. Bayern Munich concluded its sponsorship agreement with the Rwanda government, transitioning to a developmental partnership. The revised three-year deal focuses on expanding Bayern's Youth Academy in Kigali for football talent development. Criticism regarding Rwanda's human rights record and DRC conflict influenced the change in the partnership. The deal, which had drawn scrutiny in both Germany and Rwanda, has now been restructured. According to a statement on FC Bayern Munich's official website, the club and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) have agreed to a new three-year arrangement that shifts the focus from tourism promotion to football development. Under the revised partnership, Bayern will expand its Youth Academy in Kigali, transitioning the relationship from a marketing sponsorship to a developmental initiative centred on talent cultivation and social impact. 'In constructive talks about our future direction, we agreed that a very special part of our relationship with RDB was the developmental nature of our work in Kigali through the FC Bayern Academy, ' said Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of FC Bayern Munich. ' We are therefore transforming our commercial partnership into a talent programme and expanding the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali together with the RDB as both a football and social initiative. This remains perfectly aligned with our strategic objective of developing playing talent in Africa. ' While the club's statement avoided directly addressing the reasons behind the change, German media widely reported that the decision followed increasing criticism of Rwanda's human rights record and its alleged support for armed groups involved in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Human rights, DRC conflict may have spurred Bayern exit Launched with Arsenal and PSG before extending to Bayern in 2023, the 'Visit Rwanda' campaign aimed to position the country as a global tourism hub. Rwanda reportedly paid Bayern €10 million annually for branding and youth football programs. While not officially stated, Bayern's withdrawal is widely linked to growing criticism of Rwanda's human rights record and its alleged role in the DRC conflict. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny in Germany of partnerships with authoritarian-leaning governments, particularly those involving state-funded tourism campaigns. In February, Bayern Munich supporters publicly expressed their disapproval, displaying a banner at a home match that accused the club of 'betraying its values' through the Rwanda partnership. Kigali has faced sustained allegations of suppressing dissent and supporting rebel groups destabilizing eastern DRC. This, combined with pressure from German media, civil society groups, and political figures, intensified calls for Bayern to reconsider its ties. The DRC government also urged international partners to distance themselves from Rwanda as violence in the region escalated. For Rwanda, the termination represents a reputational blow. The Kagame government has prioritized sports diplomacy, most notably through high-profile sponsorships with clubs like Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern, as a tool to reshape international perceptions and attract tourism.
