Volkswagen has chosen German startup e.GO Mobile as its first external collaborator for the modular electric vehicle (EV) production system, aiming to streamline manufacturing across multiple models. The partnership will leverage the automaker’s MEB platform to develop complementary e-vehicles, according to a company statement.
The agreement follows earlier reports of Volkswagen exploring collaborations with competitors to open its EV platform to external partners. While no specific vehicle has been finalized, the arrangement aligns with the automaker’s goal to standardize production processes for cost efficiency.
Volkswagen’s strategy chief, Michael Jost, previously mentioned advanced discussions with rivals about shared EV development. The MEB platform is designed to enable large-scale production of diverse models through standardized components.
The automaker announced plans to invest 30 billion euros ($34 billion) in e-mobility by 2023, exceeding budgets of its primary competitors. This funding supports Volkswagen’s push for profitable mass production of electric vehicles, a challenge no automaker has yet achieved.
e.GO Mobile has previously developed a delivery van produced by a Deutsche Post subsidiary. The startup also partners with ZF Friedrichshafen on an electric minibus project, expanding its EV portfolio.
