Summary
- Car manufacturers face technical challenges in transitioning to electric vehicles from combustion cars
- Four main development pathways for building electric vehicle platforms: Dedicated EV Platform, Modified Combustion Platform, Hybrid Platform, EV First Platform
- Different EV platforms currently in use include CLAR, Neue Klasse, GE1, BEV3, E-GMP, EVA2, MM, CMF-EV, Rivian Skateboard, Architecture of Luxury, STLA, e-TNGA, MEB, J1, PPE, SSP, CMA, and SPA2
- BMW, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Rivian, Rolls-Royce, Stellantis, Toyota, Tesla, Volkswagen Group, Volvo, and Polestar are some of the car manufacturers using different EV platforms
- Car manufacturers are constantly innovating and developing new dedicated EV platforms to improve performance, range, and charging technology in electric vehicles.
Article
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) poses a significant technical challenge for manufacturers as they move away from combustion car development. There are four main pathways that car companies are following to build EV platforms: Dedicated EV Platforms designed specifically for EVs, Modified Combustion Platforms that retrofit existing combustion platforms for EVs, Hybrid Platforms that can accommodate various powertrains, and EV First Platforms which are dedicated EV platforms that can also implement combustion or hybrid powertrains. Each pathway has its own advantages and compromises, and manufacturers must carefully consider which option is best suited for their needs.
In the United States, various car manufacturers have introduced or are developing EV platforms to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles. BMW has embraced a hybrid platform with the CLAR architecture for some of its EVs and is set to launch the Neue Klasse platform in 2025 for its upcoming models. Ford uses the Global Electrified 1 platform for the Mustang Mach E and is working on a new EV platform for its pickup trucks. General Motors utilizes BEV3 for its crossovers and BT1 for full-size electric pickups and SUVs. Hyundai Motor Group has developed the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) for its EV lineup, which has won several awards.
Luxury car manufacturers like Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, and Stellantis are also investing in dedicated EV platforms for their electric vehicles. Lucid’s Air platform offers impressive performance and efficiency, while Mercedes-Benz has introduced the EVA2 platform for its current EV lineup and is working on new platforms for high-performance vehicles and electric vans. Nissan uses the CMF-EV platform for its Ariya model and an older platform for the Nissan Leaf. Rivian has launched two vehicles on its initial R1 skateboard EV platform and is set to release new models on a smaller midsize platform in 2026. Stellantis has unveiled the STLA platforms for its EV-first vehicles, including the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Charger.
Toyota is working on the e-TNGA platform as the electric version of its New Global Architecture platform, which underpins the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra models. Tesla has introduced several ground-up EV platforms for its vehicles, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. Volkswagen Group has developed the MEB platform for affordable EVs, the J1 platform for high-performance sporty EVs, and the PPE platform for larger EVs. Volvo and Polestar utilize the CMA and SPA2 platforms for their electric and combustion models, with plans to introduce a more capable SPA3 architecture in the future.
Overall, the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation as manufacturers shift towards electric vehicles. The development of dedicated EV platforms and the adoption of new technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility and sustainability. As consumer demand for EVs continues to rise, car companies are investing in innovative platforms to meet the needs of a changing market and drive the industry towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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