Volkswagen Begins Production of China Electronic Architecture for ICVs

Volkswagen Group China has embarked on series production of its inaugural locally developed zonal vehicle platform, signaling a shift in how the carmaker organizes electronics and software for the Chinese market. The rollout aligns with the commencement of production of the VW ID. UNYX 07, the initial model based on the company’s China Electronic Architecture.

For readers of eeNews Europe, this move underscores how global OEMs are revamping E/E architectures around zonal designs and centralized computing, especially in dynamic markets like China. It also emphasizes how development cycles for software-defined vehicles are being expedited without compromising validation standards.

Zonal architecture constructed and validated in China

The China Electronic Architecture, crafted by Volkswagen Group China Technology Company, CARIAD China, and XPENG, is characterized as a scalable zonal electronic and electrical platform with high-performance central computing. It is engineered to accommodate multiple vehicle platforms and powertrain types, from battery electric vehicles to hybrids and combustion engine models, and facilitates full over-the-air updates.

As per the company, the architecture trims the number of electronic control units by approximately 30% compared to previous vehicle generations, potentially streamlining system complexity and laying the groundwork for AI-enabled cockpit functions and China-specific driver assistance systems.

Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, remarked: “The commencement of production of our first zonal electronic architecture signifies another milestone in our ‘In China, for China’ Strategy. The Volkswagen Group delivered – swiftly and reliably. In just 18 months, we have, for the first time, constructed a completely new, scalable electronic architecture from development to series production – upholding the high quality and safety standards that our customers expect from Volkswagen. The China Electronic Architecture (CEA) facilitates software-driven innovations across all powertrain types, hastens the expansion of our intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) portfolio in China – and represents a pivotal step in our software strategy towards our ambition of becoming a global automotive tech leader.”

Accelerated development cycles for software-defined vehicles

Volkswagen asserts that the project transitioned from concept to production in 18 months, the quickest timeline it has achieved for an entirely new electronic architecture. Overall vehicle development cycles are purportedly shortened by up to 30%, with selected projects witnessing development cost reductions of up to 50% through localization and earlier supplier integration.

Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for China, and Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, stated: “We have now paved the way for a new era of Intelligent Connected Vehicles in China. The China Electronic Architecture empowers us to introduce software-driven innovation to the market at competitive cost and speed, spanning electric vehicles, hybrids, and combustion engine models. This is how we scale Intelligent Connected Vehicles in China – blending local agility with Volkswagen DNA.”