Overview
01. Definition
The skateboard chassis is an integrated chassis architecture designed for electric vehicles, which integrates the battery system, by-wire steering system, by-wire braking system, suspension system, etc. into the chassis, forming a universal and shareable EV chassis platform.
02. Structure
Skateboard Chassis = Non-load-bearing Body + Battery/Chassis Integration + By-wire Steering/By-wire Braking
In the structure of the skateboard chassis, the frame, suspension, battery, motor, and electronic control are all integrated into a skateboard-like chassis, on which different vehicle bodies and cockpits are installed.
03. Characteristics (Chassis with the following three features can be called skateboard chassis)
a. The skateboard chassis must be “fully integrated + fully by-wire” to achieve upper-lower split vehicle manufacturing.
b. The skateboard chassis should have the capability of “not only decoupling the development of the upper and lower parts, but also jointly bearing the load of the upper and lower parts”.
c. The skateboard chassis should have the capability of “releasing space to create a mobile large flat floor”.
04. Advantages
a. Independent development of the upper and lower vehicle bodies can reduce costs and shorten the R&D cycle.
b. The skateboard chassis platform can adapt to various vehicle models, quickly meeting the needs of diversified vehicle types.
c. The high integration of the chassis reserves more space for the upper cabin.
Key Players
a. Schaeffler: Rolling Chassis
This product features a four-corner module design (integrated in-wheel motors + suspension), enabling more flexible steering with up to 90° turning capability. The centrally positioned battery pack is modular, allowing for range customization based on specific use cases. The modular chassis design also reserves space for future size reduction and modifications.
b. ZF: Intelligent Dynamic Drive Chassis (IDDC)
The core components of IDDC are the EasyTurn front axle and mSTARS modular rear axle. The front axle, a modified electric power steering system, increases the turning angle to 75° (compared to ~50° in traditional systems). The rear axle, an active rear-wheel steering system, enables a maximum steering angle of 14°.
c. Pix Moving: Skateboard Chassis + Scenario Solutions
PIX offers the world’s most extensive range of applications, covering 28 different scenarios.
d. Rivian: Rivian Chassis
Rivian has developed two vehicles on a unified electric platform: the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV.
e. Canoo: Three Models Sharing the Same Skateboard Chassis
•Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle
•Multi-Purpose Delivery Vehicle
•Pickup Truck
f. Tesla: Tesla Chassis Structure
The Tesla chassis is mainly divided into the battery pack, motor, and dual-motor AWD system.
g. Volkswagen: MEB Platform
Compared to VW’s MQB platform for ICE vehicles, the MEB platform eliminates the front engine and FWD layout. Instead, the battery and motors are integrated into the chassis, optimizing weight distribution and supporting multiple drivetrain configurations. All MEB vehicles share a highly integrated power electronics system.
h. Hyundai: E-GMP Platform
Specifically designed for Hyundai’s EVs, the E-GMP platform addresses common pain points in existing EVs through targeted optimizations.
i. ECARX: Skateboard Chassis for Autonomous Delivery Vehicles
ECARX’s autonomous vehicles cater to China’s booming last-mile delivery market, covering applications such as express delivery, food delivery, pharmaceutical logistics, fresh produce, retail, street cleaning, and security patrols.
j. YouPao Tech: Super Chassis and 3 UP SPACE Cabin Concepts
•Decoupled yet rigidly integrated upper and lower structures with full-by-wire chassis technology
•Customizable chassis styling and performance
•Support for RWD/AWD configurations
•CTC (Cell-to-Chassis) battery integration with ~10% increased capacity
•Plug-and-play ring-network EEA motherboard controlling powertrain, braking, lighting, communication, power management, and L4 autonomous driving systems.
