Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd (SAVIPL) has announced plans to use the affordable CMP 21 platform for its upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) in India. This move is aimed at making their EVs more competitively priced and accessible to a wider audience.
The CMP 21 platform is a cost-effective variant of the MEB 31 architecture, originally developed for the Chinese market. It was created in just 24 months by VW China and is said to be 30% cheaper than the MEB 31. The CMP 21 is a flexible electric architecture that supports midsize SUVs measuring 4.3 meters to 4.8 meters. It can underpin a bigger 7-seater electric SUV and support single and dual-motor powertrains, with batteries ranging from 40 kWh to 80 kWh.
By adopting the CMP 21 platform, Skoda and Volkswagen aim to compete with homegrown brands like Tata Motors and Mahindra in the Indian EV market. The platform’s affordability will allow the companies to offer EVs at a more competitive price point, making them accessible to a larger segment of consumers. This strategy is expected to boost the adoption of electric vehicles in India, aligning with the government’s push for greener mobility solutions.
SAVIPL plans to manufacture a range of mainstream electric vehicles at its Chakan facility. While specific models have not been confirmed, it is anticipated that the CMP 21 platform will underpin vehicles similar to the Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.4. The launch of these EVs is expected to provide consumers with more options in the growing electric vehicle market.
Despite the advantages of the CMP 21 platform, there are challenges to consider. The investment required to bring these products to market is substantial, with estimates around 2 billion euros. Additionally, the success of these EVs will depend on factors such as charging infrastructure, consumer acceptance, and government policies supporting electric mobility.