Will arrive on upcoming eighth-generation model
Confirming earlier rumors, Volkswagen says it will introduce a mild hybrid powertrain to the upcoming eighth-generation Golf. The model is part of the automaker’s plan to electrify nearly all of the 300 or so vehicles in its lineup by 2030.
The mild hybrid system consists of an internal combustion engine paired with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery that recuperates energy through regenerative braking. There is also a 48-volt belt-integrated starter generator that starts the combustion engine and provides an electric boost to increase torque on startup. Drivers will be able to coast with the combustion engine off, improving fuel economy. Earlier reports said the GTI version is expected to receive a mild hybrid mill.
Volkswagen isn’t expected to start production on the eighth-generation Golf until around late June 2019. It will continue to be produced at VW’s Wolfburg facility in Germany, as well as other parts of the world.
“The basic interaction of different energy sources – electricity, petrol, diesel and natural gas – represents a paradigm shift at Volkswagen,” said Frank Welsch, head of technical development for Volkswagen Passenger Cars, in a statement. “For the first time, the company will simultaneously offer product lines such as the Golf with conventional, electrically assisted drives as well as product lines such as the I.D. with purely electrical drives in the future.”
Globally, VW is preparing to roll out a whole lineup of I.D. electric vehicles in the next few years. These will include a hatchback, crossover, Microbus revival, and a sedan.
Source: Volkswagen