Volkswagen Group’s first electric vehicle in India, expected by 2028, is likely to be underpinned by the India Main Platform (IMP). IMP is an offshoot of the Compact Main Platform (CMP; previously called China Main Platform), a low-cost and dedicated electric architecture originally developed for the Chinese market by VW and its joint venture partners there - SAIC and FAW. Per sources, the carmaker is also exploring an ICE conversion of the IMP, as the EV adoption rate remains slower than expected.
Skoda-VW upcoming ICE and hybrid models for India: details
We reported earlier that VW could use the MQB A0 37 platform for its next-generation ICE models in India, including hybrids. But our sources now indicate that this platform has been scrapped. Instead, Volkswagen is now looking at an EV-to-ICE conversion of the IMP, which is similar to what the brand has already done with the CMP with its partners in China. VW’s Chinese JV has already delivered products on this adapted platform, and the Indian arm is considering to replicate the same strategy here.
The EV-to-ICE adapted IMP base is being considered as a better alternative as it will benefit from a more advanced Electrical and Electronic (E&E) architecture of the CMP base and also allows for frequent updates over time. Moreover, the same base can be used for both hybrid and all-electric models, helping economies of scale.
However, it’s important to note that this is still in the evaluation phase, and its implementation in the Indian market will depend on affordability and a sustainable business case. If this doesn’t work out, Volkswagen could extend the lifespan of the existing MQB AO IN base with an adapted E&E architecture to meet future requirements.
Incidentally, what works for the Chinese market has often found acceptance here in India, too. Both markets have shown a preference for spacious long-wheelbase cars, lots of features and tech and affordable pricing. Given the fact the EV-to-ICE conversion is not a technical limitation, this could prove to be a credible solution for India.
Range-extender hybrid likely
If the potential EV to ICE conversion does takes place, the powertrain that VW most likely may offer is a range extender hybrid. These vehicles use an ICE engine solely to recharge the battery, which in turn powers the electric motors to drive the wheels. Not only does that make the entire arrangement simpler to engineer, as there is no need for components like a drive shaft, but costs can also be reduced.
What prompted the EV-to-ICE conversion?
While ICE-to-EV conversions are fairly common, carmakers now looking to go the opposite route does come across as a surprise. The reason behind this is fairly simple – the uptake of EVs has not matched expectations, not just in India, but all across the world, largely due to limited public charging infrastructure and dependence on China for key components. However, having invested billions in all-electric architectures, carmakers are now looking at different ways to make the business case work, one of which is EV-to-ICE conversions.
In India, EV penetration is still around 5 percent, and even that is below what many in the industry expected by now. Tata Motors had earlier guided for 50 percent EV penetration by 2030, but that has since been cut to 30 percent. Mahindra, too, had spoken about 20-30 percent EV penetration by 2028, but now targets up to 17 percent EV share in its sales mix by next year.
Globally, too, the shift has not moved as fast as planned. Several companies have either incurred losses due to massive commitments to EV projects or rolled back plans. Stellantis, for example, wrote off over 22 billion dollars, while Honda has scrapped the 0 Series SUV and sedan's production versions.
With inputs from Ketan Thakkar
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
