Volkswagen has confused us again: they are developing an ultra-advanced electric platform, the VolkswagenSSP, which – believe it or not – supports internal combustion engines. But beware: these engines do not drive the wheels. Sound like a joke? It is not. And this is just the beginning…
Volkswagen announced the arrival of a revolutionary electric platform four years ago Volkswagen SSP (Scalable Systems Platform), which was supposed to unite all the group's models under one roof - from city micro cars to prestigious SUVs. Today, in 2025, the SSP is still waiting for its premiere. What happened? Who would have thought - it failed its own subsidiary software division Cariad. But what fascinates us most is not the delay, but the logic behind the platform, which is supposed to be 100% electric – yet still contains internal combustion engines.
The Chinese are proving that large hybrids are very attractive
How is this possible? Volkswagen SSP allows the use of so “range extenders” – i.e. petrol engines that do NOT drive the wheels, but exclusively produce electricity to charge the battery. This is a concept we are familiar with in BMW i3 REx, Mazda MX-30 with rotary engine, or announced Ramcharger. So, the ICE engine as an electric generator. Literally. Pure schizophrenia?
Volkswagen's new "Scout," for example, will be a pickup and SUV that will have a naturally aspirated gasoline engine - but it will not have a mechanical connection to the wheels. Also the concept ID. Era, developed with Asian partner SAIC, goes in the same direction. Three rows of seats and under the hood… an engine.
The SSP platform will replace all existing platforms – MEB, PPE, even those from Porsche. It supports everything from from a compact hatchback to a sporty SUV, and should enable both 800-volt architecture, super fast charging (10–80 % in 12 minutes), as well as Level 4 autonomous drivingAmbitious? More like a January diet.
When is the petrol electrician coming?!
It becomes even more interesting when we look at timeline: the first cars on Volkswagen SSP they are coming in 2026 in Chinaand only a year later to Europe. And while CEO Thomas Schäfer believes that PHEV (plug-in hybrids) remain a more sensible solution for Europe, others in the group – such as CEO Oliver Blume – also advocate range extenders for the European market. Two bosses, two philosophies. Schizophrenia in its purest form.
And what will be the biggest star? Volkswagen SSP? Nothing else than ninth generation electric Golf, which will be manufactured in Wolfsburg, while existing Mk8 with classic engine moved to Puebla factory in MexicoThe two will even exist in parallel for a while – because why not, when it comes to confusing strategies?
Conclusion: developing into a legal MSER will be important!
The Volkswagen SSP is a technically remarkable achievement – at least on paper. It combines all possible trends: modularity, electrification, autonomous driving and now – why not – a generator that generates electricity from gasoline. If you thought the transition to an electric future was linear, the SSP is living proof that we are moving forward in a circle. And perhaps with a generator.
But hey – at least there will be a choice. If you find a classic EV too plug-dependent, you Volkswagen SSP solve with a mini petrol generator. But if you want complete silence – SSP will be able to offer that even without any exhaust system. Prices? No official ones yet, but given the technology and promises, expect everything except the “people's” price list. You know – Volks-who?
SSP is like a German Frankenstein: made up of the best ideas, but with a split personality at the heart. Will it succeed? Time will tell. Until then – tune in, or tune out. Or both.