The plug-in hybrid VW Golf is scheduled to be shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. This photo shows the all-electric VW Golf Blue-e-motion.
The next-generation Volkswagen Golf will feature a slew of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid version that Auto Express rated 5-stars after briefly driving an early prototype version.
The prototype plug-in hybrid is based on the currently available Golf and not the next-generation vehicle, but its powertrain will be used in the vehicle that is expected to debut in 2015. The prototype plug-in hybrid Golf features a 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline engine and an 80-kW electric motor.
Volkswagen claims the plug-in hybrid Golf will offer up to 30 miles of electric-only range. Furthermore, VW notes that its plug-in Golf should be rated at approximately 117 MPGe US (based on European test standards) and emits 46 grams per kilometer of CO2.
"On the move, the plug-in Golf is very impressive indeed. Under most driving conditions it’s effectively an electric car—and you really need to press very hard on the throttle for the petrol engine to cut in at all," according to Auto Express. "In town, it’s fast enough for you to breeze through traffic. Plus, the motor is so powerful, the engine is barely used on high-speed roads."
The plug-in hybrid Golf concept is scheduled to be shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this September.
Eric Loveday is an automotive enthusiast who is passionate about everything auto. He purchased a 1970 Chevelle at age 16, quickly outgrew its dated engineering and outrageous consumption of gasoline, and sold it off. Eric developed a true passion for automotive writing after graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in print journalism. Eric spent most of his time since then ...
· Tom Moloughney · 13 weeks ago
I think they are timid because they worry about trying to selling a car that costs 40% more and offers less utility. A 160 mile LEAF(doubling the battery pack) would probably cost you around 50K before tax credits. You could buy a comparable gas car for about 25K.
I think they know they could sell lots of them if they cost the same as their ICE counterparts, but we're not at that point yet. We'll get there but it's going to take a few years.
· alt-e · 13 weeks ago
More price pressure for the Volt.
· darelldd · 13 weeks ago
I'll be old in 2015.
· Deckard · 13 weeks ago
I'm already old. I'll be dead by 2015
· Anonymous (not verified) · 12 weeks ago
I'll have an other plug in car by than that will not be due for replacement just yet!
· Priusmaniac (not verified) · 12 weeks ago
In Brussels, at 9 $/Gallon for gasoline, we are already way over the breaking point for electric cars but the offer is just not following. There is the Leaf and then there is the Leaf. No Volt, no BYD, no Coda, nothing else but the Lea. And even the Leaf, you really have to ask for it with insistence and face a long waiting time.
· darelldd · 12 weeks ago
The USA doesn't have a monopoly on "not forward thinking" certainly.
· alt-e · 12 weeks ago
@ Priusmaniac - Hang in there! The EV wave is coming. It just is such a massive project that it takes time to build up the momentum. The Nissan US factory opens in 2013. Once all of Nissan's EV factories are done Nissan is claiming a capacity of 1.6 million EVs per year by 2016. I would be suprised if they are able to make that many that soon, but they are adding capacity as fast as can be expected. And once the other automakers see that Nissan will be able to max out whatever capacity they go to, largely due to world wide demand, the other companies will come in strong as well. In the meantime, at least the others will start with low volume sales.
· Anonymous (not verified) · 12 weeks ago
30 miles of electric-only range isn't enough, but I sure would like it anyways. I wonder if HYPERMILING would work with it while it's in electric mode.
http://arizonataylor.hubpages.com/hub/Save-Gas-Cut-Fuel-Costs-Expert-Mon...
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I wonder why automakers are so timid in making a 100% EV car. That ICE takes up valuable real estate. Additionally, it looks like the Volt set the benchmark for 30-40 miles of EV driving and 100 miles for pure EV cars. The only difference is Tesla where they're lowest range is 160. I would jump for a 160 mile range Leaf or Volt, etc. . .