Audi has shifted gears to ramp up the production of electric motors for the eagerly awaited Premium Platform Electric (PPE) EV platform, which is jointly developed with Porsche. The PPE platform has faced a series of setbacks, leading to delays in the launch of highly anticipated electric vehicles, including the electric Porsche Macan and the Audi Q6 e-tron.
In 2018, Volkswagen's premium brands, Audi and Porsche, unveiled their collaboration to create the PPE platform, with the aim of revolutionizing the electric vehicle landscape. This premium EV platform was engineered to drive down production costs, facilitate rapid charging, and incorporate cutting-edge digitalization and autonomous driving technology. It was also designed to expedite the introduction of new Audi and Porsche electric models.
Initially, the first PPE-based models were slated to hit the market by the end of 2021. However, a series of unforeseen delays have forced the platform's schedule to be pushed back.
These disruptions have, in turn, caused a ripple effect, impacting the release dates of new electric vehicles, including the highly anticipated all-electric Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron.
During a recent meeting of Volkswagen's board of directors, the automaker disclosed its plans to extend the delay of its 1.2 software, which is set to power the upcoming Porsche and Audi electric vehicles, by an additional 16 to 18 weeks. This decision underscores the challenges and intricacies involved in bringing cutting-edge EV technology to market and highlights the commitment of Audi and Porsche to delivering top-notch electric vehicles that live up to their premium branding.