Volkswagen begins sales of new Golf GTE and eHybrid PHEVs in Europe
17 May 2024
The new Volkswagen Golf GTE and the new Golf eHybrid offer new plug-in hybrid technology along with a range of enhanced features. The Golf eHybrid is designed for maximum comfort and its second-generation plug-in hybrid drive delivers an output of 150 kW (204 PS), with an all-electric range of up to 143 km (89 miles) (combined).
With an output of 200 kW (272 PS), the performance drive of the new Golf GTE even surpasses the level of the new Golf GTI due to its additional electric power. The all-electric range of the GTE has been increased to up to 131 kilometers (81 miles).
Power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed direct shift gearbox specially designed for the plug-in hybrid drive systems. The new plug-in hybrid drive is extremely efficient thanks to the changeover to a new 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (1.5 TSI evo2) with variable turbocharger geometry (VTG) plus highly efficient TSI-evo combustion process and a new 19.7 kWh battery (net / predecessor: 10.6 kWh).
In addition, both models come with a DC quick-charging function. On the outside, the distinguishing features of the two compact models include their updated front with LED Plus headlights, as well as redesigned LED tail light clusters and the standard-equipment 17-inch Richmond alloy wheels. A modern infotainment system and numerous driver assist systems increase comfort. The comfortable Golf eHybrid can now be configured and ordered at prices starting from €44,240. The dynamic Golf GTE is available from €46,745
China is emerging on the international market with its first models of amazing quality and achieving ranges of 1000 kms. VW and other fools are still "doctoring" around with solutions of the past and falling ever behind new technologies welding the future. Good luck to your rubbish, you'll definitely need it.
Posted by: yoatmon | 17 May 2024 at 02:46 AM
After seeing the BEV cost and vehicle content, I would be game if they imported the PHEV to US. I've always wanted a newer GTI but can't make the case with my 80 mile commute. These PHEV Golfs would fit perfect with daily and give me options if wife sends me on errands on my way home. Bonus I work at dealer so can charge for free.
Posted by: Variant003 | 17 May 2024 at 09:30 AM
All the unnecessary gizmo in this bloated Golf E-hybrid like the big engine, turbocharger, and 6-speed transmission, and the big 19.7-kWh battery pack... explains why current PHEVs are still so expensive and not gaining much market share.
Current PHEV costs more than HEV because car makers use an existing HEV with a big engine and add a big battery pack to it. However, clean-sheet dedicated PHEV design can use much smaller engine of 1/2 to 1/3 the size of the engine of a plain gas car or HEV to realize significant savings in cost, weight, and internal space to make up for the larger battery pack. All a practical PHEV would need is a small 2-cylinder 750-cc engine capable of 60 hp attached to an e-motor /starter/ generator of modest size. A dedicated PHEV has no separate starter and alternator and no gear-shift transmission, and a much smaller engine of much lower cylinder count...so the savings in all of these components will make up for the cost of the battery pack, now that battery prices are much lower than ever before.
A BEV would cost a lot more to make, because it requires a 60-75-kWh battery pack, vs just a 12-15-kWh battery pack of a PHEV. With low battery prices of today, a practical PHEV can be profitably priced at $25k-30k instead $40k for a BEV that is already deeply discounted to force a sale, and a PHEV like this one bloated with all the unnecessary hardwares and complexity...
Come on, carmakers, the economy is really down, resources are scarce, people are drowning in debts and are having a hard time coping with high interest rates...why not make a compelling green car that most people can really AFFORD?
Posted by: Roger Pham | 17 May 2024 at 01:42 PM
What we need today is simplest of cars well engineered and plug in with 100 kms range and minus all unneccessary electronics and perhaps a sodium battery and then western companies can beat govt promoted chinese cars.
Posted by: Nirmalkumar | 17 May 2024 at 06:34 PM
@Roger, what you are talking about is a parallel hybrid, more like a Nissan e-power car, but with a PHEV sized a battery.
Which is not a bad idea.
Posted by: mahonj | 18 May 2024 at 07:52 AM
What If we could create a “Nissan e-Power Sodium Ion 48V PHEV”?
Maybe possible.?
This month, IndyCar Racing will start using a 48V Hybrid using an UltraCap energy storage system that weighs around 120 lbs . (This features Skeleton Technology supercapacitors, together with an Empel MGU, Honda is also using the system in their CR-V Hybrid Racer.)
https://www.skeletontech.com/news/skeletons-supercapacitors-now-power-new-honda-cr-v-hybrid-racer
https://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/indycar-articles/how-the-indycar-hybrid-system-will-work/
Now, let’s make it a PHEV with a larger Sodium Ion Supercapacitor and we will keep the maximum capacity to 16.8 kWh which is actually smaller than @Roger’s “usable 15 kWh” capacity which would require a battery with at least 20% reserve.
This Sodium Ion battery “SuperCap” developed at Korea’s KAIST has an energy density of 247 Wh/kg and a power density of 34,748 W/kg, and lasts 5,000 cycles. So little reserve needed and with a 100 km range.
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-sodium-battery-capable-rapid-seconds.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2405829724001958?via=ihub
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/04/25/sodium-ion-battery-could-charge-in-several-seconds/
Posted by: Gryf | 18 May 2024 at 12:35 PM
Correction: 48V is OK for Hybrid. Probably need 400V for PHEV and fast charging.
Posted by: Gryf | 18 May 2024 at 01:33 PM
Right now the market system is catering to the top 10%, they can afford $60,000 for a plug hybrid or an electric SUV they're doing just fine with that tactic and there's no reason for them to say oh we need a $20,000 Bev.
Posted by: SJC | 20 May 2024 at 10:50 AM