XPeng Inc., a leading Chinese smart EV company, and the Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s top automakers, have announced an expansion of their technical partnership on next-generation E/E Architecture.
Following their Master Agreement signed in July 2024, both companies have accelerated joint development and achieved key milestones. With the newly signed agreement on Expanding E/E Architecture Technical Collaboration, the platform will now extend beyond Volkswagen’s EVs to also cover ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) platforms in China.
This broader application marks a significant step in Volkswagen’s software-defined vehicle strategy, enabling faster software iteration, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and shorter vehicle development cycles. By applying a unified E/E Architecture across powertrains, the collaboration is set to unlock economies of scale, boost efficiency, and strengthen Volkswagen’s product competitiveness in the Chinese market.
Joint R&D teams from XPENG and Volkswagen have validated the adaptability of the architecture across EV, ICE, and PHEV platforms, underscoring the long-term strategic value of the partnership.
“The Expanded Technical Collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing strategic collaboration between XPENG and the Volkswagen Group, following the signing of the Master Agreement on E/E Architecture Technical Collaboration on July 22, 2024. This Expanded Technical Collaboration not only underscores the mutual trust in our long-term strategic partnership but also highlights our commitment to and vision for continuous innovation in smart electric vehicle technologies,” said Mr. Xiaopeng He, Chairman and CEO of XPENG.
Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China and Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG for China: “We do not confine technological excellence to a single powertrain type. Our brands are committed to delivering the most advanced solutions for customers in every segment. By extending the China Electronic Architecture to our robust combustion engine fleet, we are strengthening our technological leadership in the conventional powertrain sector. At the same time, we are systematically reducing our cost base, enabling us to continue offering highly attractive choices to customers in China’s intensely competitive automotive market. This will reinforce the company’s economic resilience, create capacity for targeted investment in cutting-edge innovations, and advance our journey toward fully connected, intelligent electric mobility.”
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