Volkswagen Group and Chinese automotive company Xpeng have decided to expand the scope of their jointly developed electronic and electrical architecture, called CEA. Initially developed exclusively for use in battery-electric vehicles manufactured in China, this platform will be integrated into gasoline and hybrid vehicles manufactured in the same country starting in 2027.

Volkswagen and Xpeng collaboration expands

The CEA platform is based on a high-performance central computing infrastructure compatible with advanced driver assistance systems. The system supports an in-car AI-powered digital assistant, as well as secure and fast over-the-air software updates.

Reducing the number of electronic control units (ECUs) reduces system complexity, providing cost advantages while also contributing to sustainability goals. Furthermore, its software-based architecture allows the vehicles to maintain their long-term value.

Volkswagen’s gasoline-powered vehicles produced in China already stand out with their advanced driver assistance technologies and intelligent cockpit features. In 2024, Volkswagen sold more than 2 million vehicles in the Chinese market.

Approximately 90% of these vehicles were models with internal combustion engines. Company executives state that applying the CEA architecture to gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles will create advantages in terms of economies of scale, strengthening its technological competitiveness while maintaining strong sales of conventionally powered vehicles.

This development is also noteworthy as part of the steps taken by the Volkswagen Group in line with its “for China, in China” strategy. The group aims to increase its local R&D capacity through Volkswagen Group Technology (VCTC), established in Hefei.