The Golf, perhaps the most famous model of the German automotive giant Volkswagen, will continue its existence and a new, now ninth generation will be offered in 2028, but then it will already be a fully electric model. This has been confirmed by Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schaefer, revealing that the new Mk9 Golf will be built on a new generation of VW Group’s electric car platform called SSP. It will be the first model of the brand to use the new platform, while its market positioning will be between the ID.2 and ID.3 models.
The ninth generation Golf is predicted to see quite possibly the biggest change in the model’s history between two generations. It is not only about abandoning the use of internal combustion engines, but also about other technical innovations.
The electric Golf still has to wait a while, and the manufacturer is not giving up on the current Mk8 Golf, which will receive a major mid-life update next year, or feisliftu. It’s no secret that this model has had many problems since its launch and the manufacturer will try to fix them in order to maintain the competitiveness of this generation. The necessary changes will also be made to make the Golf Mk8 compliant with the upcoming Euro7 emissions requirements.
As for the new SSP platform, it promises significant improvements in range, efficiency and charging speed compared to the current MEB platform. Basically, the SSP will gradually replace the MEB platform, which will have completely exhausted itself closer to the end of the decade.
Schaefer revealed that one of the main innovations will be the 800V battery system, which means more charging capacity. Currently available electric cars with such systems are able to charge with a power of over 250 kW. He explains that these cars will be able to charge from 10 to 80% within 12 minutes, but of course this is a very abstract statement, because you need to understand how many kilowatt hours you are loading and how far you can drive with it. The platform is being created with the idea of more advanced driving assistance systems that could even meet the requirements of Level 4 autonomous driving. This means that, at least in theory, the electric Golf should have available technologies that allow for hands-free driving and distraction from the road.
For many years, the Golf has been among the best-selling models in Europe and around the world, and this is to some extent related to the relatively affordable price for customers. The Volkswagen concern of the new generation of electric cars is trying to focus on wider availability and a lower price, so it is believed that the electric Golf will be closer to its predecessor in terms of price than, for example, the current ID.3. Time will tell how it will be in reality. Company representatives explain that the development costs of SSP models could be as much as 30% lower than MEB machines. Various standardized parts are also expected, as well as improved manufacturing processes, further reducing costs.
Although the Golf can be compared to the current ID.3 model, Schaefer points out that VW does not really plan to give it up. He explains that the ID.3 can to some extent be perceived as a Golf Plus model. What will happen to the ID.3 in the future is still not entirely clear and a decision has not yet been made within VW. The possibility of a new generation is allowed, but the possibility is not ruled out that this model will become part of the Golf family over time and the Golf will remain the only electric VW hatchback. Also, the manufacturer plans to maintain and develop the GTI and R sports sub-brands, because, as Schaefer explains, it would be madness to give them up.
2023-09-08 09:00:00
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