eHybrid. Volkswagen has extensively redesigned the eHybrid with a more efficient and larger battery (19.7 kWh net), a higher charging capacity (up to 50 kW), a high-tech turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2 engine) – used for the first time for the plug-in hybrid models – and a new hybrid strategy. Thanks to the sum of these measures, the all-new Passat Variant eHybrid with an electric range of around 100 km becomes an all-electric car in everyday driving. At the same time, it is able to achieve a combined range of more than 900 km on longer journeys or as a company car that is used for long daily distances (both ranges are forecast values). A detailed look at the plug-in hybrid drive components:
1.5 TSI evo2. The plug-in hybrid drive consists of two drive modules: the electric drive motor and the turbocharged petrol engine. The previous 1.4 TSI is replaced by the 1.5 TSI evo2. The evo2 is characterised by a number of high-tech features. These include the TSI-evo combustion process and a variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger. The combination of the TSI Miller combustion process and the VTG turbocharger are a unique technical selling point in the area of high-volume petrol engines.
Miller cycle increases efficiency. The TSI evo combustion process already familiar from the first 1.5 TSI evo is also used in the TSI evo2 generation. Alongside optimisation of combustion chamber cooling, the decisive factor here is the symbiosis of the VTG turbocharging and the Miller cycle (early closing of the inlet valves with high compression). Thanks to this combustion process, the 1.5 TSI evo2 operates with a very high efficiency. This minimises consumption and emissions. Other technical parameters include high-pressure injection with up to 350 bar pressure, plasma-coated cylinder liners (lower internal friction) and pistons with cast-in cooling channels (optimisation of combustion).
Electric drive motor plus six-speed DSG. Volkswagen is using an enhanced hybrid gearbox in the new Passat eHybrid: the DQ400e evo. The electric drive motor with the designation HEM80evo is integrated in this special six-speed DSG. The electric drive motor forms a compact unit together with the new DQ400e evo.
19.7 kWh high-voltage battery. The new Passat eHybrid will enable electric WLTP ranges of about 100 km. Previously, it was up to 57 km. The significant increase in range is achieved thanks to a new high-voltage battery. Its net energy content increases from 10.6 to 19.7 kWh compared with previous versions (gross: 13 to 25.7 kWh). The battery has a new cell technology for the 96 modules and external liquid cooling. Since the lithium-ion battery is also positioned in front of the rear axle, the interaction with the front-mounted drive (electric motor, DSG, TSI) results in balanced weight distribution.
Charging with up to 50 kW The power flow between the battery and the electric drive motor is managed by new power electronics. This converts the direct current (AC) of the battery into alternating current (DC) for the electric drive motor. In addition, a DC/DC converter supplies the 12 V electrical system. A new charger means it is now possible to charge with up to 11 kW instead of 3.6 kW at AC charging points such as a wall box. With this, a discharged battery is charged to 100 per cent again in 2 hours 45 minutes. For the first time, the plug-in hybrid drives can be charged at DC quick-charging stations with up to 50 kW. In this case, a battery with a charge level as low as 10 per cent is charged to 80 per cent again in about 23 minutes. The charge level of the battery can now be maintained at five selectable levels while the vehicle is on the move – in order to drive electrically through a low-emission zone at the destination, for example.