Werbung
Werbung

Multivan and California launch with plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles combines second-generation plug-in hybrid front-wheel drive with electrically driven rear axle. The electric range is a good 90 km.

Completely redeveloped: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles combines the second generation Multivan plug-in hybrid front-wheel drive with an electrically driven rear axle. (Photo: VWN)
Completely redeveloped: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles combines the second generation Multivan plug-in hybrid front-wheel drive with an electrically driven rear axle. (Photo: VWN)
Werbung
Werbung

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now electrifying the Multivan and the California with a new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive. This offers a system output of 180 kW/245 hp. The hybrid system consists of a new four-cylinder (1.5 TSI evo2), an electric motor on the front axle, and a second electric motor on the link-guided rear axle. The two electric motors are powered by a new lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 19.7 kWh – enabling electric ranges of up to 95 km (Multivan) and up to 91 km (California). The new Multivan eHybrid 4Motion and the new California eHybrid 4Motion are now available to order in Europe.

Innovative Icons

The second-generation plug-in hybrid drive makes the cult van Multivan and the travel icon California primarily electric vehicles in everyday life. On the other hand, the hybrid drive ensures high total ranges on journeys. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has deliberately opted for a combination of the plug-in hybrid drive with an all-wheel system to equip both all-rounders – whether on the way to ski or individual travels – with good traction. The Multivan eHybrid 4Motion in standard length is available from 70,668 euros; the California, always built with an extended body and two sleeping places under the standard pop-up roof, will be available as an eHybrid 4Motion at prices starting from 77,772 euros. With two additional sleeping places in the interior (starting from "Beach Tour"), the California eHybrid starts at prices from 82,907 euros. The Europe-wide pre-sale of the Multivan and California with plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive has just begun.

Three Efficient Power Sources

The plug-in hybrid drive of the Multivan and California is an entirely new system of the second eHybrid generation. In the new Multivan eHybrid 4Motion and California eHybrid 4Motion, a high-tech turbo petrol engine with the designation 1.5 TSI evo2 is used. The four-cylinder engine with 130 kW/177 PS is characterized by innovative features such as a VTG turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, high-pressure injection with 350 bar, and the TSI-evo combustion process. The latter allows for a very high efficiency of the engine. The petrol engine is combined on the front axle with an E-machine. It develops 85 kW/115 PS and is integrated into the plug-in hybrid module together with a direct shift gearbox (DSG).

The DSG (DQ400e evo) was specifically designed and further developed as a plug-in hybrid transmission. This advancement has contributed to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles being able to implement a new hybrid strategy. As the third technical component, a second E-machine is used on the compound link rear axle. This E-machine is 100 kW/136 PS strong. Technically, both at the front and the rear, they are permanently excited synchronous machines. The 1.5 TSI evo2 and the E-machines together develop a system torque of 350 Nm – the maximum power is available almost from a standstill.

Fast Charging

Another essential component of the plug-in hybrid drive is the new high-voltage battery. With 19.7 kWh, it offers almost double the net energy content of its counterpart in the discontinued Multivan eHybrid with front-wheel drive. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery consists of 96 cell modules of a new development stage, with its temperature level regulated by an external liquid cooling system. As a special feature compared to a plug-in hybrid drive with pure front or rear-wheel drive, the new Multivan and California eHybrid 4Motion use two power electronics instead of just one. These are located in the area of the front and rear axles and manage the energy flow between the battery and each E-machine; they convert the direct current (DC) of the battery into the alternating current (AC) required for the operation of the E-machines. The front power electronics also serve as a DC/DC converter to supply the low-voltage network with 12-V voltage. Other hybrid components include the charger: instead of charging at 3.6 kW like the first Multivan eHybrid, it is now possible to charge at AC charging stations like the home wallbox with up to 11 kW. On the go at DC fast charging stations, it is now also possible for the first time to take in new energy with up to 50 kW.

Silent Electric Start

The new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive of the Multivan and California is a first for the entire group, as it combines for the first time the latest eHybrid system of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) with an additional electrically driven rear axle. Multivan and California always start purely electrically as eHybrid 4Motion, provided the outside temperature does not fall below –28°. Up to a speed of 65 km/h, the rear electric motor is always engaged as an "all-wheel start assistant." The electric rear axle drive is also available with an empty battery: the necessary electricity for the rear axle's e-motor is automatically generated by the TSI engine and the front e-motor, which acts as a generator in this case. Through a so-called decoupling unit, the rear e-motor can be automatically disengaged from the rear axle drive via hybrid control to increase efficiency under normal traction conditions.

Low Center of Gravity and Balanced Weight Distribution

The power distribution of the 4Motion system is controlled by the Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP) and is variable – depending on the driving situation and traction at the axles. Up to 100% of the drive power can, therefore, be directed to the front or rear axle. If the driver switches from "D" to the sport mode "S," for instance when driving on snow or unpaved terrain, the permanent all-wheel drive is activated. The driving characteristics and traction are further positively influenced by a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution, achieved by the location of the battery (under the front seats), the tank (under the second row of seats), and the second e-motor integrated into the rear axle. Purely electrically, the new Multivan and California eHybrid 4Motion can be driven at speeds of up to 130 km/h. In hybrid mode, the top speed is 200 km/h.

Electric Stationary Air Conditioning

The Multivan eHybrid 4Motion and the California eHybrid 4Motion both offer electric stationary air conditioning. This system can cool, ventilate, and heat the VW Bus and the camper van. The air conditioning is powered either by the high-voltage battery or via grid power during charging, to bring the vehicle to a comfortable interior temperature before driving begins. In addition to the comfort aspect, the stationary air conditioning offers another advantage: if the interior is conditioned during charging, this increases the electric range—similar to a purely electric vehicle—since the air conditioning during electric operation does not deplete the battery capacity. When the charging cable is plugged in, the vehicle is air-conditioned for about 30 minutes; in general, the battery is first fully charged, and then the air conditioning is started. If the stationary air conditioning works solely through the power supply from the high-voltage battery, the function shuts off after ten minutes. The stationary air conditioning can be activated via the infotainment system or by an app on a smartphone.

The Multivan and the California are built alongside the electric ID. Buzz at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hanover, Germany.

Translated automatically from German.
Werbung

Branchenguide

Werbung