More Details: Volkswagen Turbo Diesel-Electric Hybrid Golf
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 03. 5.08
We already posted about the VW diesel-electric hybrid Golf, but at the time many details hadn't yet been announced. That changed at the Geneva Motor Show: We now know that the car will have a 1.2-liter three-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engine (55 kW/74 hp and 179 Nm/132 lb-ft of torque) coupled with an electric motor (20 kW and 140 Nm/103 lb-ft of torque). Both diesel engines and electric motors produce lots of torque, so the car should be fun to drive, especially in the city.
Fuel economy is still rated at 3.4 L/100km, or 69 miles per US gallon, or 83 miles per imperial gallons. CO2 emissions are pretty low at 89 g/km. In comparison, the Toyota Prius hybrid emits 104 g/km of CO2, though emissions of NOx and particulate matter are lower than the Tier 2 Bin 5 Golf diesel-electric hybrid.
One interesting difference with most other hybrids is that the Golf TDI hybrid doesn't use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Instead, VW decided to go with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with a twin-clutch, which is basically a manual transmission that is electronically controlled, so you lose the clutch and can let it shift in automatic mode, or shift yourself in semi-automatic. It's more efficient than traditional automatic transmissions, and - some say - more fun to drive than CVTs.
Visual changes which differentiate the Golf TDI Hybrid include a new, unique grille design, smaller front air intakes to reduce aerodynamic drag and ‘TDI-Hybrid’ badging. The Golf TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag. [...]"The electric motor also replaces the conventional starter motor and alternator to save weight and improve packaging."
The electric motor is powered by a 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery which has a capacity of 1.4 kWh (the Toyota Prius has a 1.2kWh battery).
Now we just have to wait and hope that VW will deliver. A diesel-electric hybrid Golf certainly wouldn't be completely clean, but with decent emissions (Tier 2 Bin 5), good fuel economy and the ability to use biodiesel (made from used restaurant cooking oil or algae, preferably), it would be an improvement on most of what is currently on the road, including the VW Touareg which ranks as the "meanest" car on the road according to the ACEEE.
::The Golf TDI Diesel-Electric Hybrid Concept: 69 MPG US, ::Geneva 2008: Miserly VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept uses 1.2L 3-cylinder
Update: R.I.P. Volkswagen Golf Turbo-Diesel Hybrid, We Hardly Knew Ya
See also: ::Volkswagen to Introduce 70 mpg Diesel-Electric Hybrid Golf, ::Solazyme B100 Algae Biodiesel Goes on the Road, ::Diesel-Hybrid Pickup Coming to U.S.
I want one.
Nice effort
I used to think the Touareg was a monster.....but in the UK it almost looks normal now :(
That is strange that they didn't use a CVT. I thought it was needed to get the optimal amount of power to the wheels, thus optimising fuel economy. I know the two-mode hybrid system doesn't require a CVT because the electric motors make it as if there was one, but I'm not sure if that gives it an advantage.
Where do they put the batteries? Seems like that would take a lot of storage space out of a small car.
Otherwise, looks pretty awesome - especially the transmission. Its hard to find a hybrid with a stick shift, these days.
When can I get one & how much they intend to sell it for?
You wouldn't want to put waste grease in this car. It undoubtedly has a fancy fuel injector. Biodiesel, yes, but not WVO/SVO.
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ed: Post was ambiguous, I meant biodiesel made from restaurant waste. I'll update it. Thanks.
DSG isn't the same as your conventional "stick" driving, there's no clutch. My car has a DSG transmission, its fun, but the car down shifts automatically for you even in its "manual mode" if you dont do, and there's no clutch control for the driver.
Cool looking car!
@anonymous
There most certainly is a clutch. Two of them, actually. There just is no peddle for your feet plus no possibility of grinding gears.
I once read that a CVT is required to run a petrol engine at its optimal efficiency,
but not so much for diesel engines.
What surprises me is that they didn't just use a series configuration, that would get rid of the need for a transmission.
"What surprises me is that they didn't just use a series configuration, that would get rid of the need for a transmission."
they probably had so much invested in the current mechanical layout of the Gold that they tried to change as little as possible.. that's the problem with companies that have huge legacy investments.
I want one too! I'm sure they would sell really well if VW can deliver.
Arg! Waited for over a year waiting for VW to bring their diesel Beetle back to the US. Was told that only the Passat would be reintroduced with a diesel in 08 and the other models may or may not be later. I bought a gas Beetle. If only I were more patient although I suspect it will be a while before this is in production.
Will this thing run on biodiesel?
Well, count me in as well. I'll be putting my order in as soon as they are available.
Hey Space, i think you are right concerning the CVT are great for gas engines but not as well for diesel. The nice thing about the DSG (I have test driven a GTI with one) is the 7th gear.
Two things:
FIrst, current CVTs are not as efficient as a manual gearbox (although they're getting close), so it doesn't seem like an illogical choice there. Also, it's hard to build robust CVTs, to handle a lot of torque, and it sounds like this car will actually have a fair amount of torque.
Second, I really hope they add a plug-in capability to this thing. That would make it just about perfect, assuming the hybrid technology works like Toyota's, where you can run electric only at times.
It's too bad that VWs are such horrible lemons. They can't even make a reliable simple car, let alone a complex vehicle. No thanks.
Lemons? My 2004 Golf TDI has 110k miles on it and no problems at all.
Smart to go with biodiesel now they just need to make sure it has plug charging too...
It should be serial not paralell hybrid and let you use the electric motor as much as you want..
still its nice but how much and when??
So when is this car available? And are there other diesel-electric hybrids offered?
Sounds like a good idea if :
1.. The environment is not destroyed making the batteries.
2. VW gets on the transparency bandwagon and notes the carbon footprint and for health reasons how much EMF the electric motor produces.
3. All all purpose version (van type) of this vehicle is being considered
4. That anyone who buys this vehicle also get a free bike (zero pollution vehicle) that they agree to use more than the car.
Lemons? I agree with lemon aid- I have a 2001 TDI- 260,000 miles- the only maintanence I've performed is oil changes, and a new timing belt every 70k or so.
Let's get this thing in the US!
I think these were at the recent Portland, OR auto show. They said they would not export it to the American continent because all of the safety requirements would make the mileage lower and the price higher.
I have always been a VW diesel head it is a step in the right direction all we need is another few steps and we will have a world altering vehicle throw out the diesel engine and drive train go all electric with lightweight biodiesel fueled generator you would be shcked by the range,performance, and miles per gallon
Lemon? I have a 2006 TDI Jetta with nearly 40,000 not one issue yet. Oil changes and service that's it. The car rides awesome and has a much more expensive feel, similar to my past BMW's. I can't believe that people would resist a TDI Hybrid with the current gas prices and the current situation in the Middle East and China, not to mention global warming. This Diesel Hybrid takes all the positives of the gas Hybrid and adds improved fuel economy on the highway where the gas hybrid sometimes lacks depending on driving habbits. This car belongs in the USA.
ok, who wants to buy me one? :o)
Diesel from waste cooking oil? Sure, it works, but there is not - in no way - nearly enough of it to fuel even a tiny share of all the private Diesel automobiles. I say we save it for public transport and cargo vehicles.
I have two comments: 1. Diesels are a good stop-gap measure until better technologies come along, and this is the best to come along for country/long milage commutes yet, and 2. As for VW reliability, my 1998 TDI has 162,000 miles and has had nothing but scheduled maintenance, just like my other high-mileage VWs. Americans think they can ignore their cars and expect them to last forever. We waste more time arguing about how great a new technology is or is not and not forcing folks to maintain their cars for designed pollution reduction. We have all been behind a poorly running Honda and been "gassed out", so you know what I mean.
2005 vw jetta tdi oil changes a timing belt and thats it brakes still even look new and thats with my wife driving it! I hope to get one of these hybrids for myself I would say it not a lemon
sign me up!
I would love to have one... too bad it got canceled.
My current experience with VW and my 2004 Golf Tdi----it has 100,650 miles on it and has had EVERY recommended service performed at a VW dealer. Recently it began running rough, extremely slow acceleration, no power and the check engine light came on. After days of trouble-shooting the dealer determined the injectors are leaking and need to be replaced. They advised it's cheaper to replace the entire head, total bill to be $5000. I called VW America for assistance and was refused. BECAUSE VW CARES NOTHING FOR THE CUSTOMER I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER VW. Buyer beware if you need assistance from VW.