Platform and architecture: Why BYD is faster than VW

BYD puts new models on the road in just 18 months, compared to four years or more for competitors. There are many reasons for this: On the technical side, the development of a platform plays an important role. But VW also has a platform, so why doesn't VW develop so quickly? Why wasn't REE successful with its skateboard platform? And how are platform and architecture connected? That's what this article is about:

BYD: From concept to production in 18 months with the right platform

In this interview Stella Li, CEO of BYD Americas, describes how the Chinese company is positioning itself internationally. The company relies heavily on its own innovations and in-house production. BYD achieves its extremely fast development time of just 18 months thanks to its high engineering density and efficient processes. At the same time, BYD consistently relies on a platform (e-platform 3) the vehicles. In addition to the higher speed, the development costs by comparison to only a quarter.

Supply chains delay development

At BYD, almost all vehicle components are produced in-house. This accelerates development and increases the level of innovation

Supply chains are a problem that BYD avoids through in-house production. German manufacturers are heavily dependent on external suppliers. This not only drives up costs through additional margins, but also makes every change more complicated and time-consuming. If a manufacturer needs a larger display, such a simple adjustment can take years. The long decision-making processes and global supply chains slow down any change.

Ironically, we used to have just such an ecosystem in Germany. OEMs, that was a key success factor for Germany as a car location, which we gave up in the 1990s. We lack this ecosystem when it comes to new technologies. We have to procure almost everything globally: Batteries, semiconductors and software. This not only drives up costs through additional margins. It also makes every change more complicated and time-consuming.

Platform as a game changer

Platform-based development has long been established in software development. We separate the infrastructure, operating system and framework from the actual application. If someone wants to develop a web application, then a suitable Tech stack which sets the framework.

The Automotive industry now also recognizes the value of this principle, as BYD impressively demonstrates. At BYD, an entire model family is based on the same basic architecture: battery, electric motor, steering, axles and control unit are integrated into a skateboard platform. The body and interior are then "slipped" over it - with great design freedom and high reusability of components.

This is not really new. Let's take a look at two other platforms: REE and the Modular e-drive system (MEB), the platform from VW.

REE: On the brink of extinction?

REE Automotive wanted to consistently implement the platform paradigm: A flat skateboard chassis with "Corner Modules" - in which each wheel integrates its own drive unit, steering and suspension. The vision: a modular system for manufacturers of delivery vans, robo-taxis and more.

REE Automotive already presented its Corner modules before: A flat skateboard chassis in which each wheel integrates its own drive unit, steering and suspension. The vision: a modular system for manufacturers of delivery vans, robo-taxis and more. However, the company did not succeed in winning customers or scaling up to series production. The market lacked confidence. Investors bailed out.

One of the biggest problems was the lack of OEM partnerships, which are necessary for scaling. Perhaps the corner module technology was technically too ambitious. Now Ree may be on the verge of going out of business.

MEB: Modular Electric Drive Kit from VW

Volkswagen's MEB platform is much more conservative than BYD, but it is certainly successful. Since 2019, it has formed the technical basis for numerous e-models in the VW Group, including the ID.3, ID.4 and the Audi Q4 e-tron. MEB is also used by Skoda and Seat. The platform integrates the battery, motor and control system into a standardized layout that can be flexibly scaled. In contrast to REE, MEB has been tested in series production and is in use worldwide. However, MEB is also significantly less modular and technologically more open than BYD's concept.

In 2022, VW reportedthat MEB would reduce development times by 25% from 54 to 40 months. Three years ago, this was remarkable, but not nearly enough for the international competition, especially from China.

Architecture and platform are closely interwoven

A platform is not a technology, but a system design paradigm. It combines technological building blocks with structural and methodological specifications for reusability and scalability. This manifests itself in a clear separation of stable and variable elements, clean interfaces and loose coupling

The principles of the platform are Architecture concretely designed and implemented. The architecture is therefore a central means of realizing the platform strategy.

The platform provides a common technical framework on which several variants or products are based (e.g. a chassis, a control unit, an electronic modular system). Common hardware and electronic modules, communication interfaces (e.g. CAN, LIN, Ethernet), operating systems or real-time platforms are usually also part of the platform, as are standardized software modules.

The architecture must be compatible with the platform. Not only that: the platform usually specifies best practices with regard to the architecture. We don't have to follow them, but implementing these best practices usually leads to better, cheaper and more maintainable systems.

The development of good platforms and compatible architectures requires a high level of technical discipline:

• Defined modulesComponents such as the drive, battery, chassis and electronics must be standardized and interchangeable.
• Clear interfacesCommunication between modules takes place via well-defined APIs and data buses.
• Stable baselineThe platform is developing more slowly than the products based on it - a deliberate decoupling.

Without these principles, the platform can become cumbersome, inconsistent and expensive-and fail.

Conclusion

A platform can become an enabler for rapid product development: But only if architecture, strategy and market work together. BYD proves that a well thought-out platform as a technical basis enables radical acceleration. Ree shows how difficult it is to win partners for scaling,

VW has built a successful platform with MEB. But at the moment at least, it cannot keep up with BYD. In order to remain competitive in the automotive sector, we have to work hard.

Image source: BYD e-platform 3