Volkswagen continues to tease the 2020 Golf as the
company has used the Vienna Motor Symposium to unveil the car’s new 48 volt
mild hybrid system. According to automaker, the Golf will be equipped with a 48V belt
starter generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery. The belt starter generator
features an integrated electric motor that provides recuperation and boost
functions.
In recuperation mode, the system converts kinetic
energy into electricity and this is stored in the lithium-ion battery that is
located underneath the front passenger seat. This energy can then be used to
provide an “electric boost” during acceleration.
The mild hybrid system also shuts the engine off as
soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. Volkswagen says the
engine switches “on and off without delay” and this process produces minimal
vibrations. Thanks to this setup, the Golf saves approximately 0.4 liters of fuel every 100 km. Initially, the system will be offered
on 1.0- and 1.5-liter EA211 evo engines that are paired to a dual-clutch
transmission. The system will then gradually spread to other engines and
models.
While the mild hybrid system will improve fuel
efficiency and reduce emissions, Volkswagen said the “most efficient way to
reduce CO2 emissions is to expand battery electric vehicles on a broad scale.”
As part of this effort, they will introduce the ID.3 later this year.
The ID.3 will feature a 201 hp electric motor that will enable the hatchback to hit a top speed of 60
km/h. More importantly, the model will be offered with multiple battery packs
which will allow the car to travel between 330 – 550+ km according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure.
