Volkswagen continues to tease the 2020 Golf as the company has used the Vienna Motor Symposium to unveil the car’s new 48 volt mild hybrid system.
According to automaker, the Golf will be equipped with a 48V belt starter generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery. The belt starter generator features an integrated electric motor that provides recuperation and boost functions.
In recuperation mode, the system converts kinetic energy into electricity and this is stored in the lithium-ion battery that is located underneath the front passenger seat. This energy can then be used to provide an “electric boost” during acceleration.
The mild hybrid system also shuts the engine off as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. Volkswagen says the engine switches “on and off without delay” and this process produces minimal vibrations. Thanks to this setup, the Golf saves approximately 0.4 liters (0.1 gallons) of fuel every 100 km (62 miles).
Initially, the system will be offered on 1.0- and 1.5-liter EA211 evo engines that are paired to a dual-clutch transmission. The system will then gradually spread to other engines and models.
Also Read: VW’s Sub-€30,000 Electric Hatch Is Christened the ID.3
While the mild hybrid system will improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, Volkswagen said the “most efficient way to reduce CO2 emissions is to expand battery electric vehicles on a broad scale.” As part of this effort, they will introduce the ID.3 later this year.
The ID.3 will feature a 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) electric motor that will enable the hatchback to hit a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). More importantly, the model will be offered with multiple battery packs which will allow the car to travel between 205 – 342+ miles (330 – 550+ km) according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure.