Ping An Technology First-Time Feedback to Mass Fuel Vehicles, German Giants Fully "Localized"

Phoenixnet Tech News (Author / Yu Lei) August 15, Ping An Automobile and Volkswagen Group announced that they had signed a strategic cooperation agreement on electronic electrical architecture technology, developing advanced electronic electrical architectures for pure electric vehicles, fuel-powered vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

As early as July 22, 2024, Ping An Automobile and Volkswagen Group jointly announced that they had signed an electronic electrical architecture technology strategic cooperation agreement.

Notably, this cooperation is just one year after the two companies signed their first joint development agreement last July.

In fact, as early as April 17, 2024, Ping An Automobile had already signed a framework agreement with Volkswagen Group on electronic electrical architecture technology, and this cooperation is an in-depth development of the previous cooperation.

According to the latest joint development agreement, both parties will fully invest in developing leading-edge electronic electrical architectures for Volkswagen's CMP and MEB platforms produced in China. The developed electronic electrical architecture not only will be deployed on pure electric vehicle platforms but also will be integrated into fuel-powered and hybrid electric vehicle platforms, achieving cross-power platform applications.

The development team through deep technical innovation has confirmed that the originally developed electronic electrical architecture for pure electric vehicles can effectively adapt to fuel-powered and hybrid electric vehicle platforms. This technology solution's success will significantly expand the coverage range of vehicle types using this architecture in the Chinese market.

For Volkswagen Group, this cooperation expansion will accelerate its software-defined automobile strategy implementation process. Through electronic electrical architecture platform deployment, Volkswagen can achieve rapid iteration and remote upgrade functionality while significantly shortening new vehicle development cycles, providing a stronger competitive advantage in the Chinese market.

Ping An Automobile's chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng said that the expanded cooperation agreement reflects the long-term strategic partnership between the two companies, showcasing their continued innovation determination in the core technology field of intelligent electric vehicles.

Volkswagen Group China Zone Chief Reddi emphasized that advanced technology should not be limited to a single power form. By extending CEA architecture to Volkswagen's fuel-powered vehicle product line, Volkswagen will further strengthen its technical advantages in the traditional power car market while optimizing cost structures, providing more attractive options for Chinese consumers.

Volkswagen-Ping An Cooperation Timeline:

July 2023： Volkswagen Group announced that it would invest approximately $7 billion in Ping An Automobile, acquiring approximately 4.99% of Ping An's shares at a price of $15 per American depositary share. The two parties plan to jointly develop two B-class pure electric vehicles based on the Ping An G9 platform, intelligent cockpit, and high-end assisted driving systems, with plans to launch in the Chinese market by 2026.

December 2023： Volkswagen China completed the equity transfer, becoming Ping An's third-largest shareholder, gaining a board observer seat but no voting rights.

February 2024： Both parties signed a platform and software joint development agreement, jointly developing two smart network-connected vehicles targeting China's mid-range market, the first being an SUV, with a development cycle shortened by 30%. Volkswagen Group (China).

April 2024： Signed electronic electrical architecture (EEA) technology cooperation agreement, jointly developing "Chinese Electronic Architecture" (CEA), integrating into Volkswagen's Chinese electric vehicle platform, controller quantity reduced by 30%, supporting OTA upgrade. Volkswagen Group (China).

July 2024： Deepened EEA cooperation, expanded to Volkswagen's CMP and MEB platforms produced in China, with the first mass-produced vehicle expected within 24 months.

January 2025： Announced a joint fast-charging network, covering 420 cities in China, with over 20,000 charging stations. Both parties will open their own networks and explore co-building joint-brand charging stations.