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VW will update its plug-in hybrid technology one last time in 2023. Ranges of up to 100 kilometers and significantly faster charging capacity for the plug-in hybrids are planned.
In the industry that applies Plug-in hybrid commonly used as a bridging technology, intended for the time span between the internal combustion engine and the pure battery-electric drive. Relies on the latter Volkswagen his main focus, developed the modular electrification kit MEB in recent years. It serves as the basis for the ID family and the corresponding derivatives for the subsidiary brands Skoda, Cupra and Audi. Up to 70 different electric models are to be placed on the MEB and will roll off the assembly line in large numbers in Europe, China and North America from around the end of the decade.
You don't need a long range in one go
Until then, it is estimated in Wolfsburg that the plug-in hybrids will still make a major contribution to the emission savings. According to Volkswagen, the CO2 reduction potential is just as great as that of electric cars with a pure battery drive. The reason: 95 percent of the daily private journeys are less than 50 kilometers. If the owners were to connect their plug-in hybrid to the cable every day, it would be practically the same as an electric car - the gasoline engine stays cold.
Mainly due to state funding (innovation bonus and tax advantages for private use as a company car), VW was able to quadruple its plug-in sales even in the pandemic year 2020 compared to 2018. This year sales are likely to double again, to around 150.000 units. The average plug-in share is now over 20 percent. The hybrid technology is built into the MQB models (modular transverse matrix) Golf, Passat, Arteon, Arteon Shooting Brake and Tiguan. In the case of the MLB modular longitudinal construction kit, it is the Touareg.
Wolfsburg own development
In the MQB, the combination of combustion engine and electric motor always consists of a 1,4-liter TSI petrol engine with 110 or 115 kW (150 or 156 PS) and an 80 or 85 kW (110 to 115 PS) electric motor. The system outputs are 150 and 180 kW (204 and 245 PS). Both components are in-house developments.
Since the high-voltage battery currently has a usable capacity of 10,4 kWh, electrical ranges of up to 60 kilometers are possible. The Tiguan eHybrid, however, only manages 50 kilometers. If the new regulation takes effect on January 1, 2022, according to which the buyer of a plug-in hybrid only receives funding if the car can drive at least 60 kilometers electrically, the Tiguan eHybrid in its current constellation would be out. The Touareg would also be affected.
Last improvement for the plug-in hybrids
The VW engineers are therefore working intensively on a new generation of the plug-in drive. Internally, the developers speak of the PHEV II. It will be the last expansion stage of hybridization and will be introduced in 2023 with the next Tiguan (3rd generation). Shortly thereafter, it received the Passat B9, which was then launched in the 9th generation and only as a variant. He shares the extended platform with the Skoda Superb. Both will then roll off the assembly line in Bratislava.
The PHEV II generation includes, on the one hand, the integration of another turbo gasoline engine. The EA211 in the "evo II" development stage is a four-cylinder with a displacement of 1,5 liters. Compared to the old 1,4-liter unit, it has more power and torque, but also lower emissions. VW will again offer a 150 kW / 204 PS plug-in variant as an entry-level model, but will replace the 180 kW / 245 PS version with one with a higher output. The interaction between the combustion engine and the electric motor is also being changed. Especially during intermediate sprints and when overtaking, the e-machine should "boost" longer and make the kick-in of the TSI motor as smooth as possible. The aim is to increase driving comfort.
No extra weight
Point two of the plug-in evolution relates to the high-voltage battery. "With new cell chemistry and a better package, it will be possible to get twice the capacity in the same existing installation space," says Hannes Wüstenberg, who is responsible for range management. Despite the increased capacity, the battery should remain roughly the same weight at 135 kilograms. The entire PHEV-II system weighs around 200 kilograms.
Double the energy content also means double the range. "We are aiming for the 100-kilometer mark," said Wüstenberg. In addition, the loading convenience should be improved. While DC charging was previously considered irrelevant for plug-in hybrids, this has now changed due to the larger battery. It should be full again in less than 30 minutes.
