GENEVA — Volkswagen is looking to offer customers hybrid versions of the perennially popular Golf and Jetta. The automaker may offer the models as plug-in hybrids with a choice of variably sized battery packs in the 2013 model year.
Ulrich Hackenberg, VW's R&D chief, says the 2013 models could be offered with a choice of battery size, and therefore of zero-emission range, to suit different customer needs. The bigger-batteried versions would also be more economical, but cost more to buy.
Hackenberg says a final decision has yet to be made, but the question of offering a battery choice is currently under consideration. He also revealed that the plug-in Jetta will have a greater electric-only range than the Golf because it has a larger trunk.
The VW Group is developing a transverse hybrid pack of modular design that will allow this drivetrain to be used across all VW's brands. The first VW hybrid to go on sale will be the Touareg, using a V6 gas-electric powertrain similar to the Cayenne hybrid's.
Inside Line says: The Golf and Jetta plug back in for the next round on the market. — Richard Bremner, Correspondent
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tbone85 says:
04:52 PM, 03/04/2010
That's a good point Atenza. Addionally, one could install a single relatively small solar panel that while not up to powering an entire house, would be sufficient to offset the power needs of a plug in car.
atenza94546 says:
01:09 PM, 03/04/2010
Look Plug In is a energy company concept to transfer people from using their gasoline to their electricity. Which if the owner have solar panel and is enough to power the house also selling it back to the power company then it make sense.
Otherwise, the gasoline price drop and will increase the electricity. Its only enviromental, but not saving much for consumers.
blueguydotcom says:
09:58 AM, 03/04/2010
Shrug. TDI is better.
arze73 says:
08:50 AM, 03/04/2010
This should be interesting. The VW dealer can't even change my brake pads properly, and now I will have to depend on them servicing something lectrical? Nope