VW steps up electrification

Volkswagen is focussing on stepping up electric mobility and is significantly expanding its range of fully electric models and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Even before the launch of the new ID.304 this year, the demand for electric mobility has considerably increased in Germany, VW says.

It says every second order for the up! model series is for the fully electric version, with about 20,000 orders received in the first three months of 2020.

GTE versions of the current Passat generation have also become increasingly popular among buyers – every seventh customer now opting for the PHEV.

Launched in November 2019, the e-up! generates 61kW and represents the new entry-level model to VW’s electric world.

Compared with its predecessor, the e-up! offers significantly increased range – up to 260km.

Hybrid drive systems form a further key element in the powertrain strategy.

Volkswagen Group is introducing PHEV technology in many important high-volume segments. GTE models took the lead in 2014 and their second model generation boasts an increased electric range with more battery capacity.

The new Passat GTE Variant0203 generates 160kW and has up to 56km range.

An average Volkswagen customer’s daily range if about 42km, the company says.

Within the Passat segment, where most orders are received for diesel engines, the petrol-powered variant with plug-in hybrid technology now makes up 15% of the orders, showing a five-fold increase compared with the previous GTE model.

After the PHEV debut in the Passat and Passat Variant, Volkswagen will be introducing several new PHEV models in 2020.

The new Golf, now in its eighth generation, will again be available as a Golf GTE06 and in parallel a PHEV version will be available for the normal Golf for the first time.

The technology will subsequently be launched in the Arteon and the Tiguan compact SUV.

In March, the brand’s new top-of-the-range model had its premiere – the Touareg R07 PHEV generating 340kW using a V6 engine and an electric drive.