VW Debuts Fuel Cell Tiguan in the US

13 June 2008

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is showcasing the Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept hybrid in its North American debut along with a range of near-term fuel-efficient powertrain technologies including the all-new 2.0 liter TSI Tiguan and the upcoming 2.0 liter Jetta TDI.

Originally shown at the Shanghai Motor Show and the 2007 Michelin Challenge Bibendum, the Tiguan HyMotion builds upon Volkswagen’s ongoing development of the fuel cell as previously demonstrated with the Touran HyMotion. (Earlier post.)

The Tiguan HyMotion concept features an 80 kW (107 hp) fuel cell system integrated in the engine compartment. With an assist from the electric motor, the Tiguan HyMotion output advances to 100 kW (134 hp). The top speed of the Tiguan HyMotion is 93 mph and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 14 seconds.

A lithium-ion battery (the Touran HyMotion used an NiMH pack) with a charge capacity of 6.8 Ampere-hours (Ah) serves as an auxiliary energy storage device with a maximum power output of 22 kW. The battery is charged by regenerative braking or by the fuel cell.

The battery system is installed in the trunk beneath the dual cargo floor available on the production Tiguan. A 700 bar hydrogen tank (up from 350 bar in the Touran) was integrated in the area beneath the floor in the rear bench seat and cargo area and can hold up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen.