Volkswagen reveals PHEV plans with >100 km range

In the course of a presentation of its current plug-in hybrid models, Volkswagen has given an outlook on its upcoming PHEV strategy. A new generation of plug-in hybrid drives is expected to be used from 2023.

The plan is for the 1.4 TSI combustion engine used so far to be replaced by the 1.5 TSI. Secondly, the battery capacity and thus the electric range are to increase significantly – the latter to around 100 kilometres. In addition, Volkswagen’s PHEVs will in future have a fast-charging option with a CCS connection, enabling significantly faster charging processes than with the existing single-phase onboard chargers with only 3.6 kW charging power.

Currently, Volkswagen’s MQB models house 1.4 TSI four-cylinder engines producing between 110 and 115 kW, combined with an electric motor producing up to 85 kW and a 13 kWh battery. In addition to the new combustion engine generation, a battery of the same size with doubled energy content is to find its way into the Group’s new PHEVs. This is to be achieved through a new packaging method and improvements at cell level. The electric drive system is to remain almost unchanged in the housing of the six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Media reports indicate that the AC onboard charger could also be upgraded. From the 3.6 kW single-phase mentioned at the beginning to 11 kW three-phase, although this has not been confirmed.

With these announcements, the Wolfsburg-based company is underlining its intention to continue to rely on plug-in hybrids for quite some time on the road to the BEV future. As is well known, the VW brand wants to exit the business with combustion engines in Europe by 2035 at the latest, Audi by 2033.

Incidentally, the extension of the electric range of PHEVs is also important in terms of subsidy policy. Stricter requirements for PHEVs are likely to be introduced in Volkswagen’s native Germany for the innovation premium in the future. In advanced drafts of the subsidy guidelines, the CO2 emission limits for PHEVs, which have been decisive up to now, will be replaced by specifications on the electric-range. Accordingly, from 1 October 2022, only plug-in hybrids that offer a minimum electric range of 60 kilometres will be eligible for funding. From 1 January 2024, the bar is to be raised to 80 kilometres.

auto-motor-und-sport.defuhrpark.de (both in German)

7 Comments

about „Volkswagen reveals PHEV plans with >100 km range“
matt
30.09.2021 um 10:48
It seems to be a VW compliance solution, is this really what the market wants or needs? The efficiency of this is likely to be low due to the increased weight, I bet there will be engine issues as these cars will run the engine very infrequently, BMW suffered from this on the i3 range extender.
Kalena
01.10.2021 um 10:52
Obviously a full Affordable BEV lone is the best solution for environment and our future. But reality is not everyone is astute at EV tech and still literally riding horses!(ICE autos). They read 10:yr old articles about battery range, life and detriment to the environment a lot pushed by gasoline lobby and FoX news false narratives. So a PHEV environmentally not the best answe Bitmoji still better than driving a V8 F150. Etc. Agreed after driving a 2014 REX and a 2017 BEV(lease) the problems I had were wi h the motor! The Bev just wipers and tires. But for most price is stopping the average American and ignorance to what their missing by not owning a EV.
John Fuggers
01.10.2021 um 02:59
Yet the Chevy Volt is known as extremely reliable.
Mike Brown
01.10.2021 um 16:29
Very sad that they discontinued the Volt. The range of 80kms is ideal, I am surprised there are not more PHEVS available with the longer range.
Peter
30.09.2021 um 14:20
If the engine is run infrequently then it is exactly what the market needs. The weight of the extra engine should be factored into the EV only range. (Btw extra weight of engine is probably still better than extra weight and environment cost of extra battery needed for BEV). Everybody says most people drive under 40km a day so 100km is idea.
Gabriel C.
01.10.2021 um 08:29
A fast charging and a battery with a little bit more range is more then enough for most of us. I have a Cupra PHEV (VW group) and I don’t need the petrol just sometimes over the weekend for long trips.
Edward
01.10.2021 um 18:09
I don't think the efficiency would be too low.. My daily commute during the week is 65km each way, with charging capability during the day, so this would work well for my needs. I also tow a 1700kg boat on the summer weekends, and a 1500kg utility trailer for projects, so having the ICE engine to supplement the battery would be a significant advantage over an EV for me, at least with current battery/charging tech. Some weekends, I also tow my boat for over 1500km over mountain ranges, something that would be very difficult to do with a pure EV at this time.

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