Summary
- Evolution to electric vehicles is still in the early stages, posing technical challenges
- Car companies use dedicated EV platforms, modified combustion platforms, hybrid platforms, and EV first platforms
- Various car manufacturers are using different EV platforms for their vehicles
- Largest EV platforms include BMW Cluster Architecture, GM’s Ultium battery technology, and Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform
- Tesla, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo/Polestar are some car manufacturers investing in EV platforms that are designed for electric vehicles for future models
Article
As the automotive industry continues its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), manufacturers are facing immense technical challenges in building these new vehicles. This shift requires companies to rethink how to design and construct a vehicle from the ground up, or the platform up, in the case of cars. Car companies have settled on four main development pathways for building electric vehicle platforms: dedicated EV platform, modified combustion platform, hybrid platform, and EV-first platform. Each pathway offers unique advantages and challenges, shaping the design and capabilities of the resulting EVs.
In the United States, various automakers have chosen different EV platforms for their electric vehicles. BMW utilizes the CLAR platform for models like the iX, as well as developing the Neue Klasse platform for future dedicated EVs. Ford uses the GE1 platform for the Mustang Mach E and T3 platform for the F-150 Lightning, with plans for a new EV platform. General Motors employs the BEV3 platform for crossovers and the BT1 platform for full-size electric pickups and SUVs. Hyundai Motor Group utilizes the E-GMP platform for its award-winning EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9.
Lucid’s Air platform offers impressive performance and efficiency, providing over 500 miles of range and acceleration from 0-60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds. Mercedes-Benz uses the EVA2 platform for its EQS and EQE models, as well as developing the MMA platform for smaller electric vehicles. Nissan uses the CMF-EV platform for the Ariya, while Rivian employs the Rivian Skateboard platform for its R1T pickup and R1S SUV, with plans for a new midsize platform. Rolls-Royce utilizes the Architecture of Luxury platform for the Spectre, offering high performance and range.
Stellantis has unveiled the STLA platform for a range of vehicles, including the Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona. Toyota utilizes the e-TNGA platform for models like the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ, with plans for a dedicated EV platform. Tesla has various platforms for its vehicles, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Volkswagen Group utilizes the MEB platform for more affordable EVs, as well as the MLB Evo, J1, PPE, and SSP platforms for different models like the Audi Q8 E-Tron and Porsche Macan EV.
Volvo and Polestar use the CMA platform for models like the Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge, as well as the SPA2 platform for the Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3. Each of these platforms offers unique characteristics and capabilities, shaping the design, performance, and range of the resulting electric vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, automakers will continue to invest in developing innovative and advanced EV platforms to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.
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