VW Changes Its Mind and Announces Hybrid Vehicles are In Its Future

Photos

Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and now Jeep, have still been able to tout the merits of clean, quiet, powerful yet economical common-rail diesel power against complicated and as yet unproven HEV systems. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

After originally dismissing hybrid technology, Volkswagen AG seems to be changing its mind on the issue. It recently showed a diesel-electric hybrid prototype. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

The Golf ECO.Power was demonstrated at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai (a program started by Michelin), earlier this week. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

Not only can the diesel-HEV potentially deliver up to 10 to 15 percent better fuel economy than traditional HEVs, itll be faster from 0 to 100 km/h. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

"We will definitely introduce hybrid vehicles in the future," stated Matthias Rabe, director of research for the VW Group. (Photo: Volkswagen of America)

While Volkswagen may end up being the first European company to sell a HEV, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a S-Class hybrid concept back in 1999. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

The Golf ECO.Power Shows Just How Efficient Diesel-Hybrid Drivetrains Can Be

With oil over $53 per barrel this week, and no end in sight for the much higher prices compared to the same time last year, more automakers are preparing for what may be a very fuel conscious consumer if the upward trend continues.

Before the world can take advantage of a hydrogen economy, a utopian solution that still requires many infrastructural problems to be resolved, European automakers have been pushing the merits of modern day diesel power, for the most part, while the U.S. and Japanese have taken the HEV, or hybrid-electric vehicle route, the latter with exception of heavy-duty domestic pickup trucks and Jeeps new Liberty Diesel.

As it has been, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and now Jeep, have still been able to tout the merits of clean, quiet, powerful yet economical common-rail diesel power against complicated and as yet unproven (over the long haul) HEV systems, being that fuel economy figures do not necessarily benefit the Japanese and soon, with the introduction of the new Ford Escape Hybrid, domestic hybrids.

But all has changed since HEV leader Toyota announced diesel-HEVs would be part of its future (see automotive news section for August 16, 2004: Toyota Considering Making Diesel-Electric Hybrid Vehicles). The added benefits of diesel efficiency and performance would be considerably enhanced with an integrated hybrid-electric system, and could be done easily as all that is needed, simplistically, is for the gasoline-powered ICE (internal combustion engine) to be swapped out for a diesel one.

After stating it wouldnt be looking at hybrids as an interim answer to reducing fuel consumption and cleaning up emissions, Volkswagen AG seems to be changing its mind on the issue. It recently showed a diesel-electric hybrid prototype that many analysts are saying hints at what may be on the horizon for Europes number one automaker. The Golf ECO.Power was demonstrated at the Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai (a program started by Michelin), earlier this week, and features an 85-kilowatt (114-hp), 1.4-liter 3-cylinder diesel joined to a 15 kilowatt (20-hp) electric motor.

The diesel-HEV could potentially deliver up to 10 to 15 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline-electric powertrain, stated Matthias Rabe, director of research for the VW Group. And what about performance? Zero to 100 km/h (0-62.5 mph) needs a mere 11.0 seconds while a top speed of approximately 122 mph is attainable. The Golf ECO.Power is equipped with a stop-start function, similar to all current production hybrids, and achieves a thrifty 62 mpg fuel economy average.

VW was coy about production plans, with Rabe only stating that the technology could have great potential in some markets, highlighting North America due to fuel economy concerns, and China to reduce pollution.

As previously mentioned the Europeans have downplayed the viability of HEV technology in the market, with Volkswagen AG Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder questioning its real value even last year.

“Its a reversal from one year ago,” admitted Rabe, adding that “we will definitely introduce hybrid vehicles in the future. We have to consider whether to do it with gasoline or with diesel engines.”

Will VW be the first European to sell HEVs when it does? That remains to be seen, but it certainly wasnt the first to show a concept of such. Mercedes-Benz has shown a variety of prototype HEVs over the years, starting in 1999 with its rear-wheel drive S-Class hybrid, followed up by the M-Class HYPER, which used a 2.7-liter common-rail diesel along with an electric motor. Ahead of its time for sure, but the fact Mercedes-Benz chose not to develop an HEV powertrain for production speaks volumes of its previous, if not current biases.

Volkswagen entered a total of four cars in the Shanghai event, including the Bora (Jetta) TDI, which is produced in China, and the extremely economical Lupo 3L TDI, both current production cars. Joining the Golf ECO.Power in the non-production concept category was the Touran HyMotion, a hydrogen fuel cell powered minivan. A total of 112 vehicles competed in nine categories, allowing the jury to not only assess a particular vehicles environmental benefits including low fuel consumption, but also a cars driving characteristics, comfort, safety and noise pollution.

Volkswagen seems smart to be jumping on the HEV bandwagon despite having previously said it wouldnt, and despite entering very late in the game. According to a Booz Allen Hamilton study just released, hybrid powertrains could make up 20 percent of all cars sold by 2010. How does it arrive at its figures? The study states that high gasoline prices are starting to make the $3,000 to $5,000 price penalty of going hybrid justifiable. The study added that, if consumers accept the new technology as quickly as they did airbags and ABS brakes, the numbers could reach 80 percent by as soon as 2015.

The technologies level of acceptance will be fostered by its number one producer, Toyota, which has vowed to offer an HEV derivative of most of its models in coming years. Already, the brand that started out with a single, stand-alone sedan dubbed the Prius, has already announced a new Lexus RX 330-based RX400h, Toyota Highlander hybrid and Camry hybrid, with most expecting a Sienna minivan hybrid soon. Honda is also a major HEV player, initiating its early adaptor position with the odd but thrifty Insight, followed up by the Civic Hybrid and now the Accord Hybrid. Ford announced its Escape Hybrid years ago, and is expected to follow with a Fusion (Taurus replacement) hybrid in coming years, with more to follow. GM is already to market with its Silverado and Sierra pickup truck hybrids, and only recently announced a new Malibu hybrid. Nissan will bring an Altima hybrid to market too, powered with Toyota components.

It doesnt take a degree in alternative fuel systems development to see why Volkswagen has changed its mind, showed the Golf ECO.Power and made the announcement that it plans to follow suit. The only question that remains is which European automaker will make a similar announcement next.