Volkswagen has revealed first details of its new ‘full hybrid’ system, which will debut in the Golf and T-Roc later this year for the European market, bridging the gap between its 48V mild-hybrids (MHEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Two electric motors and a 1.6kWh (gross) NMC lithium-ion battery are teamed with the brand’s ubiquitous 1.5 TSI ‘evo2’ turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which offers series and parallel hybrid driving modes as well as Electric-only driving at low speeds.
One of the e-motors acts as a generator, while the other is a drive motor either exclusively driving the vehicle or working in tandem with the petrol engine.
The former also generates power for the on-board electronics, differential, single-speed gearbox and an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch with its own control unit – the latter used to engage and disengage the TSI petrol engine.
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Volkswagen says its new hybrid drivetrain has been developed to balance efficiency, dynamics and comfort, with the electric drive motor replacing or supporting the petrol engine wherever it can to achieve extra efficiency.
The drive system itself offers three operating modes – electric, series and parallel drive – depending on the conditions, much like other series-parallel hybrid systems. In addition, Eco, Comfort and Sport driving profiles tailor the drivetrain to driver preferences.
In Eco mode, system power output is limited to 70 per cent, and the boost function is deactivated to reduce consumption. Comfort is the standard setting, in which there is no power limit and boost function remains available, while Sport changes to series-hybrid mode earlier to more readily offer full power.
In parallel drive mode, from “around 60km/h” and above, the petrol engine acts as the primary drive system regardless, with the electric motor providing boost under acceleration. In series drive mode, the engine is “active but decoupled” to act as a generator for the e-motor and battery, thus extending the powertrain’s electric range.
Other features of the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid include an electric compressor for the air-conditioning and an electric brake servo, both which are integrated into the front-end of the vehicle. The li-ion battery, meanwhile, is integrated into the rear floor of both the Golf and T-Roc.
Volkswagen says its new hybrid system “enables a higher proportion of electric driving and thus lower emissions and consumption” than its ‘simpler’ mild-hybrid system, as well as a lower purchase cost than its ‘eHybrid’ PHEVs with no requirement for charging infrastructure.
The German brand says the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid will be available “in future” with two different power output levels and lower fuel consumption than its ‘eTSI’ 48V MHEV powertrain, though the actual figures are still to be announced.
Following the launch of its new HEVs, Volkswagen will offer a full spectrum of electrified powertrain technologies in the compact segments, ranging from mild-hybrid to all-electric.
Given the MQB evo platform is shared among numerous brands and models across the Volkswagen Group, it’s only a matter of time before the new hybrid system rolls out to other nameplates in the portfolio.
However, what remains unclear is when these powertrains will reach the Australian market.
The current Golf may offer MHEV and PHEV options in Europe and the UK currently, but Volkswagen Australia still persists with an older 1.4 TSI turbocharged petrol engine and eight-speed automatic combination designated for markets with more lax emissions regulations, like the US and South Africa.
That’s despite VW Group subsidiary brands including Audi, Cupra and Skoda already offering a mix of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options in their equivalent vehicles based on the MQB evo platform – though Volkswagen is about to release the larger Tiguan and Tayron plug-in eHybrids locally.
Moreover, Volkswagen Australia hasn’t even locked in the latest T-Roc for local introduction, despite the revamped compact SUV being revealed for Europe some eight months ago.
“While Volkswagen Australia continues to assess future opportunities for the local market, we’re unable to confirm Australian availability or timing at this stage,” Volkswagen Australia told CarExpert today.
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