VW Multivan and California get plug-in hybrid dual drive

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles introduced the electrified versions of the Multivan and California with a new, progressive plug-in hybrid drive system with two-wheel drive. The highly efficient system combines the ability to move on an all-electric drive with a long autonomous range and maximum traction on various road surfaces. The system power of the plug-in hybrid drive is 180 kW (245 hp), and the hybrid system includes the new high-tech four-cylinder engine 1.5 TSI evo2, the electric motor on the front axle and a second traction electric unit driving the wheels on the rear axle. The two electric motors are powered by a new lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 19.7 kWh, which allows an all-electric range of up to 95 kilometers for the Multivan and up to 91 kilometers for the California. The new Multivan eHybrid 4MOTION and California eHybrid 4MOTION will be available to order in Bulgaria in 2025 Kit ambreiaj Valeo pret.

VW Multivan and California get plug-in hybrid dual drive

The second generation plug-in hybrid drive system practically turns the iconic Multivan and the iconic California camper into electric vehicles for most daily tasks and trips. At the same time, and when longer distances are required, the highly efficient and economical drive system impresses with its long combined range on a single charge of the tank and battery.

The plug-in hybrid drive system of the Multivan and California is a completely new development and represents the second generation eHybrid. In the new Multivan eHybrid 4MOTION and California eHybrid 4MOTION, a high-tech gasoline engine with a turbocharging system and designation 1.5 TSI evo2 is used. The four-cylinder unit develops a maximum output of 130 kW (177 hp) and features numerous high-tech features, such as the VTG (variable turbine geometry) turbocharger, the highly efficient high-pressure fuel injection system of 350 bar, as well as and with the no less efficient TSI-evo fuel process. In this way, a high level of energy efficiency of the engine, necessary for a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, is ensured. The powerful and economical petrol unit is combined with an 85 kW (115 hp) electric motor, integrated in the plug-in hybrid unit together with the dual-clutch transmission (DSG) on the front axle.

The DSG transmission with factory designation DQ400e evo has been specially designed and further refined for use as part of the plug-in hybrid drive system. These special efforts made by the engineers of Volkswagen Vans make it possible to implement a new, even more effective control strategy for the hybrid drive. The third main technical module in the composition of the new drive is the traction electric motor on the rear axle with a torsion beam. The electric unit has a power of 100 kW (136 hp) and, like the electric motor on the front axle, is a synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets. The combined system torque of the 1.5 TSI evo2 engine and electric drive units amounts to 350 Nm, and the maximum power of the hybrid system is available from the moment of departure.

Another key component of the plug-in hybrid drive is the new high-voltage battery. With its capacity of 19.7 kWh, it offers almost twice the net energy content of the battery used in the previous Multivan eHybrid with front-wheel drive.

The new dual-drive plug-in hybrid drive system of the Multivan and California is the first of its kind in the Volkswagen Group and for the first time combines the latest generation of the eHybrid system based on the modular construction platform for models with transverse engines (MQB) with additional, all-electric rear axle drive. The start and drive of the Multivan and California eHybrid 4MOTION always takes place on a fully electric drive - as long as the outside temperature is not lower than minus 28 degrees Celsius. At speeds of up to 65 km/h, the rear electric motor is always engaged to provide four-wheel drive "launch assist". Of course, the electric drive of the rear axle is also available when the charge of the storage battery is exhausted - the electricity required to power the traction electric motor of the rear axle is generated automatically by the TSI engine and the front electric motor, which acts as a generator. In order to increase energy efficiency and reduce consumption and emissions in normal driving conditions with a sufficient degree of road traction, the electric motor of the rear axle can be automatically disconnected from the control of the hybrid system by a special electronically controlled mechanism.

The new Multivan and California eHybrid 4MOTION can move on fully electric traction at a speed of up to 130 km/h. When using hybrid mode, the maximum speed of the new models is 200 km/h.

Both the Multivan eHybrid 4MOTION and the California eHybrid 4MOTION offer an all-electric stationary air conditioning system that can be used to comfortably cool, ventilate and heat the interior of the van and camper. At the same time, the air conditioning system can draw electricity both from the high-voltage battery and from an external power source during charging, ensuring a pleasant interior temperature in the passenger compartment before departure.




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The second generation plug-in hybrid drive system practically turns the iconic Multivan and the iconic California camper into electric vehicles for most daily tasks and trips

The plug-in hybrid drive system of the Multivan and California is a completely new development and represents the second generation eHybrid