VW reveals Golf VI TwinDrive plug-in hybrid

[AVANTI R5]

The Golf TwinDrive project first introduced in July 2008 using the previous Golf V generation has been fitted to the new sixth generation Golf. Sponsored by the German government with double-digit millions, the research project aims to test the efficient use of renewable energy sources (wind, water and solar power) in transportation with 20 test vehicles using VW's next generation plug-in hybrid TwinDrive technology.


Capable of producing 176 hp (130 kW), the Golf TwinDrive uses an intelligent operating system which always chooses the optimal operating mode - individually tailored to the specific route and situation, so it always offers the most efficient combination of electric motor and combustion engine. Unlike typical hybrid drive systems which have an electric motor supplementing a combustion engine, "the exact opposite is true on the TwinDrive: here the diesel or gasoline engine supplements the E-motor," according to Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn. The TwinDrive places emphasis on a long range E-motor capable of 50 kilometers for city driving, while the combustion engine is for long range use.


No specific fuel efficiency figures have been provided yet, but VW gave an example of driving from Potsdam to the "Automobile Forum" in downtown Berlin and back - averaged over 100 kilometers - the Golf TwinDrive consumed just eight kilowatt-hours of electricity and 2.5 liters of fuel.
With Berlin test trials set to begin in 2009, VW expects to present initial vehicles as early as 2010.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9081126....brid-prototype

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[Hites]

so gm's been dickin with the volt for years, and now these other companies just knock one out immediately? wow. gm really cant do ****.

[scott_gunn]

It says test trials begin in 2009, with "initial vehicles" sometime "as early as" 2010. GM will be selling tens of thousands of Volts to the general public by then. GM has always said they were waiting on the battery technology, not on anything else. Furthermore, the Volt has a > 50km range.

[shikataganai]

Originally Posted by Hites

so gm's been dickin with the volt for years, and now these other companies just knock one out immediately? wow. gm really cant do ****.

Originally Posted by scott_gunn

It says test trials begin in 2009, with "initial vehicles" sometime "as early as" 2010. GM will be selling tens of thousands of Volts to the general public by then. GM has always said they were waiting on the battery technology, not on anything else. Furthermore, the Volt has a > 50km range.

neither this fabled VW hybrid nor the Volt will be on the road in consumers' hands until 2012 if not later, mark my words.

[Chromer]

Originally Posted by scott_gunn

It says test trials begin in 2009, with "initial vehicles" sometime "as early as" 2010. GM will be selling tens of thousands of Volts to the general public by then. GM has always said they were waiting on the battery technology, not on anything else. Furthermore, the Volt has a > 50km range.

Actual reality and what GM publicly says are often only tenuously connected. GM is using the energy equivalent of about 5 Prius batteries to get 40 miles of all-electric range. Using actual Prius batteries that would weigh 680lbs, BTW. Alternatively, you'd need about 1/3rd of the NiMH pack that was in later models of the EV1. It's been technically practical to do this for years.

BTW, the first customer Volt isn't scheduled to ship until November 2010, so no, they won't be selling tens of thousands by 2010.

FWIW, Chrysler may also have a range-extended electric vehicle for sale to the public before GM (assuming they don't go out of business in the next couple weeks).

[Mike Wevrick]

Originally Posted by scott_gunn

Furthermore, the Volt has a > 50km range.

So does the VW; the 50 km is just for electric-only mode. Plug-in hybrids really make a lot more sense than all-electric, except maybe for low-speed-only vehicles (modified golf carts).

[snowcat]

Originally Posted by Hites

so gm's been dickin with the volt for years, and now these other companies just knock one out immediately? wow. gm really cant do ****.

Also, what was GM's price goal? About $20k. Current projected cost of the Volt? $40k+ and it won't have an interior half as nice as the VW which will probably cost ~$25k...