Volkswagen Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid: they are coming!
Not a mild-hybrid, but a full-hybrid
Compared to a simpler mild-hybrid system, it allows longer electric driving, which has a positive effect on emissions, consumption and fuel costs. A full-hybrid is also cheaper than a plug-in hybrid, and no charging infrastructure is needed to recharge the battery. Electric energy is generated by the powertrain itself and recovered through recuperation, supported by a turbocharged gasoline engine combined with a generator.
1.5 evo2 turbocharged gasoline engine
The main components of Volkswagen’s front-wheel-drive full hybrids are the hybrid module, the 1.5 evo2 turbocharged gasoline engine (TSI) and the lithium-ion battery. The system includes an electric motor that acts as a drive motor, a second electric motor that acts as a generator, a differential and a single-speed transmission. The powertrain also features an electronically controlled blade clutch with its own control unit, which allows the TSI engine to be switched on and off automatically.
NMC cells
The specially developed high-voltage battery with NMC cells has a gross capacity of 1.6 kWh that is usual for HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). It is integrated into the rear of the floor in both the Golf and the T-Roc.
Optimal balance
Volkswagen has tuned the interaction between the fuel engine, the two electric motors and the high-voltage battery for an optimal balance of efficiency, dynamics and comfort. The electric motor responsible for propulsion replaces or supports the turbocharged gasoline engine in all situations where it benefits consumption. The Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid therefore often drive fully electric.
The powertrain offers three modes that are automatically activated based on driving profile:
- Electric motor drive – fully electric driving at low speeds, with the gasoline engine turned off;
- Serial drive – the wheels are driven by the electric motor, while the fuel engine runs disconnected to generate electricity through a generator to extend the electric range;
- Parallel drive – the fuel engine is engaged as primary drive from about 60 km/h; the electric motor has a supporting role, for example as a booster when accelerating.
Three riding modes
The Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid offer a choice of three driving modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport. In Eco mode, maximum system power is limited to 70 percent and the boost function is disabled to reduce energy consumption. In Comfort mode, full system power is available and the boost function can be utilized. In Sport mode, the dynamic characteristics come to the fore more strongly because the drive system switches earlier to serial mode with which full power is available more quickly.
The new full hybrid variants of the Golf and T-Roc will be available from the fourth quarter of this year. Ahead of their introduction, Volkswagen will announce prices, specifications and availability.
