VW Commercial Vehicles has decided to electrify the Multivan and the California with a new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive system.
The hybrid system consists of a new 1.5 TSI evo2 four-cylinder engine, producing 177 hp, equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger and a high injection pressure of 350 bar.
The gasoline engine is paired with a 115 hp electric motor on the front axle. The electric motor is integrated into a plug-in hybrid module, along with a dual-clutch transmission (DSG), and a second electric motor on the rear axle with 136 hp, resulting in a total combined power of 245 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm.
Both electric motors are powered by a new lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 19.7 kWh, which promises an electric range of up to 95 kilometers for the Multivan and 91 kilometers for the California.
The new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive of the Multivan and California is a novelty in the Group, as it combines for the first time the latest eHybrid system on the MQB platform with a rear axle powered by electricity. In the eHybrid 4Motion version, the Multivan and California always start in pure electric mode, provided that the outside temperature is not below -28 degrees. Up to a speed of 65 km/h, the rear electric motor is always activated to provide “start-up assistance” for the all-wheel drive.
The electric drive on the rear axle is also available when the battery is discharged: the energy needed for the electric motor on the rear axle is automatically generated by the TSI engine and the front electric motor, which in this case acts as a generator. Through a decoupling unit, the rear electric motor can be automatically disengaged by the hybrid control to increase efficiency under normal traction conditions.
The new Multivan and California eHybrid 4Motion can be driven purely electrically at speeds of up to 130 km/h. In hybrid mode, the maximum speed is 200 km/h.
VW Commercial Vehicles has deliberately chosen to combine the plug-in hybrid solution with an all-wheel drive system. The California uses the longer body, featuring a pop-up roof in all versions, providing space for two people to sleep. Starting from the Beach Tour version, the California adds an additional bed for two on the lower level. It is also worth noting that the California Beach eHybrid with 5 seats has the advantage of being Class 1 for tolls with Via Verde.
The new Multivan and California eHybrid 4Motion are now available for order in Europe.
