Volkswagen confirms 48V hybrid for Golf 8
Mild-hybrid tech to electrify most of the brand's range in coming years
Volkswagen has announced a new 48V mild-hybrid system will roll out across most of its range, including the upcoming eighth-generation Golf family.
Like similar systems used by Audi and Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen's mild-hybrid technology will combine a conventional internal combustion engine with a 48V belt-integrated starter generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery pack.
With these components on board, the vehicle is able to 'coast' with the combustion engine completely switched off – which Volkswagen claims can save up to 0.3L/100km of fuel.
Additionally, the mild-hybrid system can add an electric boost for short periods on start-up.
Pictured: Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5
"The starter-generator is a true all-rounder. On the one hand, the generator performs the role of alternator and starter," Volkswagen says in its press release.
"At the same time, it functions as a small, lightweight electric motor that immediately increases drive torque upon start-up by means of an electric boost. The power of the generator is transferred via a belt."
"The generator also starts the combustion engine – which is switched off as much as possible while the vehicle is moving – in a barely perceptible way," the company added.
With this powertrain strategy, Volkswagen will have two main arms of electrification – electrically-assisted vehicles in the form of its core models like the Golf, along with pure-electric models with the upcoming I.D. family.
Australia
Unfortunately for our market, Volkswagen's local arm still has its sights set on the I.D. electric vehicle line-up being the sole form of electrified vehicles in its range.
Speaking with CarAdvice, Kurt McGuinness, public relations and brand experience manager for Volkswagen Australia, said: "Electrification in Australia will come to be embodied by EVs from the ID family, not hybrids". Bummer.