VW Promises Plug-In Hybrid by 2010
June 27, 2008
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A few months ago German automaker Volkswagen, introduced a VW Gold fitted with a hybrid diesel-electric engine. Now they are going one step further, promising a plug-in hybrid by 2010. The plug-in hybrid promises drivers the chance to further cut their carbon footprint and fight global warming, using an exciting new technology.
The plug-in hybrid engine will also be fitted onto the VW Golf, and will be called the Twin Drive Golf. The car will feature a 122 horsepower diesel engine twinned with an 82 horsepower electric motor. However, the car will rely primarily on the electric motor, instead of the diesel engine, unlike most current hybrids.
“While the e-motor on a typical hybrid model just supplements the combustion engine, the exact opposite is true on the Twin Drive.” Said VW boss Martin Winkerton. He continued, “Here the diesel or gasoline engines supplement the e-motor.”
This new technology will go a long way to helping drivers reduce their carbon footprint, as it will minimize the use of the diesel engine. The expected range is 31 miles before the diesel engine kicks in, so anything up to that will not have any carbon emissions. For people with short commutes and a chance to recharge at their work, the diesel engine will rarely be used, a big step in fighting global warming.
And the German government is throwing their support behind the project. The government is keen to see more hybrids racing down the autobahn, and has announced a $23.5 million program to help automakers develop hybrid technology. While it is a commendable gesture, the amount remains relatively little compared to the costs of developing new technologies.
Germany hopes to have 1 million hybrid cars in the country by 2020, rising to 10 million by 2030.
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