- The German brand has a 4.99% stake in Xpeng since mid-2023.
- Two new EVs using a co-developed architecture will launch in 2026.
- It’s not yet clear when the first of these new stations will be built.
Xpeng and Volkswagen are deepening their ties in China with the construction of a large super-fast charging network across the nation. The network will include more than 20,000 chargers across 420 cities and, in the future, could grow to include co-branded charging stations.
The two automakers have signed a memorandum of understanding for the partnership but have not said when these new stations will roll out. The chargers will be “high-powered liquid-cooled super-fast” units and will be accessible to owners of both Xpeng and VW’s Chinese models.
Read: Xpeng Could Start Building EVs In Europe To Avoid Tariffs
In a statement, executive vice president of Volkswagen Group China, Olaf Korzinovski said, “Through our strategic collaboration with XPENG, we will form one of the largest Super Fast Charging Networks in China enabling people to seamlessly integrate e-mobility into their daily lives not only in the metropolises but also in remote cities.”
VW and Xpeng are working closely to expand their presence in China. In mid-2023, the German brand purchased a 4.99% stake in Xpeng for $700 million. They announced work on a new electrical and electronic (E&E) architecture that will underpin all future EVs produced by VW in China. The companies will establish two project houses that will allow VW and Xpeng engineers to work together on the new systems.
The first production models to be launched through the partnership will be a pair of mid-range vehicles from VW, which should launch in 2026, and the first to be an SUV. A key advantage of the new architecture is that it reduces the number of ECUs required by 30%. It will also allow for the faster implementation of advanced automated driving functions and have support for over-the-air updates.
VW is also developing a new China Main Platform (CMP) alongside its joint venture partnerships with SAIC and FAW. This architecture will be used by more affordable models, including at least four VW vehicles.
