VW “In Advanced Talks” With Competitors Over Sharing Its Electric MEB Platform

Volkswagen is reportedly seeking to share its EV-only modular MEB architecture with more manufacturers other than just Ford, according to German newspaper Tagesspiegel.

“Our modular system for electric cars – the modular electrification kit (MEB) – should be a standard not only for the VW Group,” Michael Jost, VW brand’s strategy chief told the publication. He added that the automaker is already in “some advanced talks” with competitors.

VW has already announced a partnership with Ford that will initially focus on the joint development of light commercial vehicles, with the latter still considering licensing the MEB architecture for their own future electric vehicles.

Jost also confirmed that VW will launch a more affordable entry-level electric vehicle after the upcoming ID hatchback, which is set to enter production towards the end of the year. “From 2023, no later than 2024, we will also bring an electric model in the size of a T-Roc for less than 20,000 euros (abour $23k) on the market,” he said.

VW’s electric offensive includes the launch on no less than 27 MEB-based electric models by the end of 2022. The first product of this strategy –the ID hatchback– will arrive in dealerships in early 2020, offering a driving range of at least 206 miles (331km).