Volkswagen has confirmed an upcoming hybrid model of their best-selling vehicle.
The eighth-generation Golf, due to be revealed in 2019, will be offered with an all-new 48-V mild hybrid option that will work alongside Volkswagen's current 12-V system.
While Volkswagen already offer the full-electric e-Golf, one of New Zealand's best selling EVs, the next-generation Golf will be the first time Volkswagen use the new system, which will be utilised in further models.
Volkswagen will combine the combustion engine with a new 48-V belt-integrated starter generator and a 48-V battery. The mild hybrid system will enable the new Golf to 'coast' while the combustion engine is completely switched off, saving up to 0.3 litres of fuel over 100 kilometres while promising improved dynamics and convenience with an electric 'boost'.
This company says this combination represents the gateway to the future of Volkswagen hybrid models.
“The basic interaction of different energy sources – electricity, petrol, diesel and natural gas – represents a paradigm shift at Volkswagen," says Volkswagen Technical Development executive and Board Member, Dr Frank Welsch.
"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”.
"Our newly developed, cost-effective 48-V mild hybrid will pave the way for introducing this type of technology to the mainstream.”
Volkswagen's 48-V hybrid system. Photo / Volkswagen
Volkswagen say the 48-V system enables a considerably higher amount of energy to be saved via recuperation when the vehicle brakes. This high level of voltage enables a the system to perform more roles than the 12-volt could., including the actuation of the 48-V belt-integrated starter generator.
The 48-volt belt-integrated starter generator acts as both an alternator and starter, while at the same time it functioning as a small, lightweight electric motor that increases drive torque upon start-up with an 'electric boost' transferred via a belt.
The generator also starts the combustion engine, which is switched off as much as possible while the vehicle is moving.
"This new product strategy will come into play for the first time from 2019 onwards with the launch of the next generation of the Golf and the first I.D. – two compact Volkswagen vehicles with completely separate technical concepts as well as clearly different design make-ups," said Welsch.