The introduction of innovative, new hybrid systems in the eighth generation of Golf vehicles marks a new era for the brand with regard to drive technology. In the future, Volkswagen will gradually electrify almost every vehicle in its range of models. The company is offering a first look at the future of electrified drive systems as part of the International Vienna Motor Symposium – one of the world’s key event on the automotive technology of today and the future.
Electrifying conventional drives will enable us to further reduce consumption and emissions while also increasing dynamics and convenience”, says Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management for Volkswagen Passenger Cars with responsibility for Technical Development. Welsch continues: “We are starting this extensive electrification campaign with Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle to date – the Golf. Our newly developed, cost-effective 48V mild hybrid will pave the way for introducing this type of technology to the mainstream”.
Volkswagen will combine the combustion engine with a 48-V belt-integrated starter generator and a 48V battery. The 48V mild hybrid makes it possible to “coast” with the combustion engine completely switched off, thereby saving up to 0.3 litres of fuel over 100km. Moreover, this mild-hybrid solution offers much improved dynamics and convenience as a result of providing an electric boost upon start-up.
The 48V technology is a new chapter in engine design, enabling drives to be electrified in a cost-efficient manner. The 48V system will be used in vehicles in addition to the well-known 12V system. In the case of very small wire cross-sections and a lightweight wiring harness, the 48V system enables a higher amount of energy to be saved than the 12V system, e.g. via recuperation when the vehicle brakes.
This high level of voltage enables a number of operations, including the activation of the 48V belt-integrated starter generator.
The Vienna symposium also saw the world debut of a 1.5 TGI Evo natural gas engine (EA211 Evo) and the 2.0 TDI diesel engine.
The 1.5 TGI Evo natural gas engine.
1.5 TGI Evo natural gas engine
The 1.5-litre direct injector, fitted with VTG forced induction (latest-generation turbochargers with variable turbine geometry), is based on the 1.5 TSI ACT BlueMotion engine.
The TGI petrol engines can be run on e-gas – renewable CNG based on methane obtained from wind, solar, hydropower or biomass power generation processes.
Production of the 1.5 TGI Evo engine will start this year. With an estimated average consumption of 3.5 kg/100 km (CNG) in the current Golf featuring dual clutch gearbox (DSG), the turbocharged engine will offer a combined range of range of 680km (490km on natural gas and 190km on petrol). The switch between both fuels is automatic.
2.0 TDI diesel engine
Despite being badly hit by Dieselgate, VW is not giving up on diesel. Its new 2.0 TDI diesel engine
will for the first time also be available in conjunction with hybrid systems; the EA288 Evo will already start as a mild hybrid drive with 12V belt starter generator on its first use. In conjunction with a lithium-ion battery, the mild hybrid system reduces fuel consumption and increases comfort.
The output ranges from 136hp to 204hp. Volkswagen has cut the CO2 emissions of EA288 Evo engines by up to 10 g/km compared with the predecessor generation. In general, what sets the new TDI engines apart is their extremely low emissions in all driving cycles. It is said to meet current and future emission stipulations for WLTP/RDE certification.
The TDI engines will initially be used at Audi in vehicles with longitudinally installed drive train. The new TDI engines will also be used transversely in the MQB vehicles of Volkswagen and other Group brands in the future (MQB: modular transverse matrix).
