Latest news with #ScalableSystemsPlatform
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
ZF's Modular EV Range‑Extender Set to Launch in 2026
As some automakers retreat from the "all-EV by 2030" battle plan, suppliers like ZF Friedrichshafen are quietly preparing smarter alternatives. Its new modular range-extender systems, dubbed eRE and eRE+, are due to enter production in 2026 - and they could help keep internal combustion alive in a way that actually makes at ZF's technical center in Shanghai and engineered for flexible, scalable integration, the eRE platforms aim to provide automakers with an easier path to longer-range electrification - especially in regions with sparse charging infrastructure or price-sensitive buyers. Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, ZF's range-extenders never use the engine to drive the wheels. Instead, the gas engine powers a generator, which in turn charges the battery or powers an electric motor. The base eRE drives the rear wheels, while the eRE+ adds a planetary gearset, differential, and clutch to support front-wheel assist - or full four-wheel result is a modular, software-defined drivetrain that works with either 400V or 800V vehicle architectures. The eRE produces between 94 and 148 horsepower, while the eRE+ scales to 201 hp. Carmakers supply their own engines and batteries - ZF handles the a concept that echoes similar efforts across the industry. ZF's own range-extender push has been framed as a way to extend EV range without resorting to larger, heavier batteries - a particularly useful idea in midsize crossovers, pickups, and vans where space and weight are major concerns. ZF isn't alone in this line of thinking. Volkswagen recently revised its future EV platform - the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) - to accommodate optional range extenders. While SSP was originally designed as a pure BEV solution, the company now views a generator-equipped fallback as a pragmatic "safety net" against softening EV demand. The SSP will remain electric-first, but the range-extender update shows just how much the industry's tone has Scout Motors - the VW Group-owned electric off-road brand - is developing its own version of this concept. The upcoming Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup will be available with a "Harvester Range Extender" that promises to boost range to 500 miles. As with ZF's eRE setup, the Harvester system uses a gasoline engine strictly as a generator, not as a means of direct they all share in common is intent: extending range through smarter architecture, not just bigger batteries. ZF's system is ready for global adoption. Manufacturing begins in 2026, with the company targeting automakers across Europe, China, and North America. BMW is reportedly trialing range-extender concepts with its iX5 hydrogen test vehicles, while other brands - particularly those not developing ground-up EV platforms - are evaluating ZF's solution as a retrofit-friendly company previously worked on range-extender setups for London black cabs and is now investing heavily in modular, powertrain-agnostic components that help manufacturers adapt without overhauling their entire production consumers, that could mean EVs that charge less often, cost less upfront, and offer better winter performance - all without forcing a compromise on driving feel or emissions targets. The EV narrative isn't collapsing, but it is correcting. Range anxiety hasn't gone away, and infrastructure rollouts are lagging behind adoption rates. Rather than wait for the grid to catch up, companies like ZF are finding ways to meet drivers where they are - with practical, affordable tools that bridge the won't replace pure EVs or hybrids entirely, but as part of a broader strategy, they may prove to be the missing link - a smart compromise in a world that's still figuring out how to plug in. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
VW's EV Masterplan Expands Beyond Just Batteries
Volkswagen is in the middle of a turnaround strategy that will put the German brand back on track. Its grand plan was revealed earlier this year, with nine new models to be launched in the next few years. The all-new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP)is part of this movement, though various issues have plagued its rollout, including software issues related to Cariad. Now, VW has revealed an update about the SSP, and it's a major one that involves internal combustion engines. 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.
Auto Blog
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Volkswagen Rethinks EV Future With A New Twist
The German automaker has delayed its Scalable Systems Platform for a good reason, and now we know why. Why All-New Scalable Systems Platform Was Delayed Volkswagen is in the middle of a turnaround strategy that will put the German brand back on track. Its grand plan was revealed earlier this year, with nine new models to be launched in the next few years. The all-new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP)is part of this movement, though various issues have plagued its rollout, including software issues related to Cariad. Now, VW has revealed an update about the SSP, and it's a major one that involves internal combustion engines. 0:04 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More 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. Impact On Future Models 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. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Next VW Golf Will Use SSP Architecture 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. Source: Volkswagen About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, June 8: Maruti Suzuki & Hyundai hope for export growth, Volkswagen's new EV platform, e-car sales grows
Here is your quick check on the biggest developments in the world of automobiles. Check Offers The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, which make it difficult to stay informed about all the latest advancements. At HT Auto, we are dedicated to delivering the most relevant and current information as it becomes available. Below is a concise overview of the key highlights from Sunday, June 8. Maruti Suzuki expects 20% export growth in FY26, Hyundai bullish about single-digit growth Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki, two leading car manufacturers in the Indian passenger vehicle market, are expecting robust growth in export volumes in FY26. Both these car manufacturers expect healthy growth in overseas shipments in the current financial year amid the challenging business environment in the domestic market. Maruti Suzuki is bullish about achieving around 20 per cent export growth in FY26, while Hyundai is expecting a single-digit growth in overseas shipments this fiscal. Also Read : Maruti Suzuki expects 20% export growth in FY26, Hyundai bullish about single-digit growth Volkswagen's new modular EV platform supports combustion engines, but there's a catch Remember Volkswagen's Scalable Systems Platform, or SSP, which is a modular electric vehicle architecture? It's been more than four years since the German automaker announced the SSP, the all-encompassing electric vehicle of the OEM. Volkswagen's Scalable Systems Platform was originally expected to be ready by now, but it has been delayed until later this decade. This setback has been attributed to Volkswagen's software division Cariad. However, the auto major is revealing new details of the SSP. Also Read : Volkswagen's new modular EV platform supports combustion engines, but there's a catch India's electric car sales cross 4% first time in May 2025: FADA Electric vehicles may have been facing multi-dimensional challenges, but the electric car retail sales in May 2025 crossed four per cent in India. It was the first time that electric cars crossed this mark. During the same month a year ago, electric cars sold 2.6 per cent, revealed the data by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Also, the data has revealed that May 2025 recorded an uptick from 3.5 per cent in April this year by 0.5 per cent. Also Read : India's electric car sales cross 4% first time in May 2025: FADA Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 09 Jun 2025, 07:10 AM IST
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Volkswagen's new modular EV platform supports combustion engines, but there's a catch
Volkswagen's SSP will play a crucial role in the automobile group's future product strategy. (AFP) Notify me Remember Volkswagen's Scalable Systems Platform, or SSP, which is a modular electric vehicle architecture? It's been more than four years since the German automaker announced the SSP, the all-encompassing electric vehicle of the OEM. Volkswagen's Scalable Systems Platform was originally expected to be ready by now, but it has been delayed until later this decade. This setback has been attributed to Volkswagen's software division Cariad. However, the auto major is revealing new details of the SSP. While the SSP is primarily an electric vehicle platform, it is also supposed to support internal combustion engines (ICE). But, there is a catch. Volksagen AG plans to introduce ICE to the SSP as a range extender not as a power mill to drive the vehicles. This means the ICE will generate power not to drive the wheels of the EVs underpinned by the SSP, but will function as generators to charge the battery pack onboard. In a nutshell, the ICE will not be mechanically linked to the wheels. Interestingly, Nissan's e-Power technology too follows a similar working principle, where the petrol engine powers the battery pack, not the drivetrain. Volkswagen plans to make SSP a foundation for models across all its brands. Volkswagen had already indicated its interest in range extender technology. The newly launched Scout brand of the company is gearing up to launch a pickup truck and an SUV, which all will come with naturally aspirated ICE generators. SSP to play key role in VW's future product strategy The SSP is a major initiative for Volkswagen as the automaker plans to make this architecture a foundation for models across all its brands. This will eventually replace all the existing EV platforms of the Volkswagen AG. The carmaker is planning to launch at least five different models across different body styles based on the SSP. These vehicles will range from a city hatchback to a large SUV. According to Automotive News report, there will be eight derivatives in total, covering every segment of the market. Next-generation electric cars from the Volkswagen AG based on SSP are expected to start rolling out in 2026. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 08 Jun 2025, 12:16 PM IST
