Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has combined a second-generation front-wheel drive plug-in hybrid drive with an electrically driven rear axle to bring electrification both to the daily lives of large families and to lovers of the outdoors. In fact if the arrival of the new Multivan eHybrid 4Motion increases the versatility of a people mover already used on multiple levels; the first camper with plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive: California eHybrid 4Motionopens a window on the future of campers.
The new Multivan eHybrid 4Motion and California eHybrid 4Motion are now available to order in Europe. The Multivan eHybrid 4Motion in standard version is available at starting from 70,668.15 euros; the California, again with an extended body and two beds under the standard sunroof, will be available as an eHybrid 4Motion starting from 77.772,45 euro; with two interior berths (from the Beach Tour specification), the California eHybrid will start from 82.907,30 euro. And they will be produced together with the electric ID model. Buzz at the German Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hanover.
A completely new traction system
The plug-in hybrid drive of the Multivan and California is a second generation eHybrid system. A high-tech 1.5 TSI evo2 turbo petrol engine is used combined with a 115 hp electric motor on the front axle, integrated into a module ibrido plug-in with dual clutch automatic transmission (DSG). As a third technical module there is a second electric motor on the rear axle with an output of 136 HP. Together they develop a system torque of 350 Nm with almost immediate maximum power.
Photo at: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen Multivan Plug-in Hybrid 4Motion
Another key component is the new 19.7 kWh high voltage batteryalmost double the energy capacity of the previous Multivan eHybrid. The lithium-ion battery with 96 cell modules has thermal regulation via external liquid cooling. Unlike a plug-in hybrid system with front- or rear-wheel drive, the new Multivan and California eHybrid 4Motion use two separate power and control electronics systems. You can charge up to 11 kW with AC charging stations and fino and 50 kW at DC fast charging stations.
Truly for all uses
The new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive system allows the vehicle to start in all-electric mode down to temperatures of -28 degrees. Up to a speed of 65 km/h, the rear electric motor provides “assisted” all-wheel drive at the time of departure. Even with the battery flat, the rear electric motor is available, powered by the energy produced by the TSI engine and the front electric motor, which, in this case, acts as a generator.
Photo at: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen Multivan Plug-in Hybrid 4Motion
The power distribution of the 4moton system is regulated via the electronic control stability (ESC) and is variable, based on the driving situation or the traction on the axles. Up to 100% of the driving force can be directed to the front or rear axle. When switching from D mode to Sport S mode, permanent all-wheel drive is activated. The Multivan and California eHybrid 4Motion can be driven at up to 130 km/h in purely electric mode and up to 200 km/h in hybrid mode.
Electric stationary air conditioning
Both the Multivan eHybrid 4Motion and the California eHybrid 4Motion offer a air conditioning system electric stationary that can be used for cool, ventilate and heat the minivan and camper. The climate control system is powered by both the high-voltage battery and the electricity grid during the charging phase, ensuring a comfortable interior temperature in the vehicle before the start of the journey.
Photo at: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen Multivan Plug-in Hybrid 4Motion
In addition to comfort, stationary air conditioning contributes to safeguarding the battery charge. In fact, when the charging cable is connected, the vehicle is air conditioned for approximately 30 minutes. However, if the stationary air conditioning works only with power from the high voltage battery, the operation stops after 10 minutes.
