Volkswagen has announced that it will continue to invest in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology as a means of transitioning towards pure electrification in the future. The company currently offers PHEV versions of popular models such as the Golf, Passat, and Tiguan. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer made this announcement at the Financial Times Future of the Car conference in London, where he highlighted the importance of PHEVs as a bridge technology during a “plateau” in demand for electric cars.
Schäfer’s comments align with similar statements made by other automakers, such as Nissan and Hyundai. These companies also recognize the need for a flexible powertrain offering to cater to fluctuating demand for electric vehicles. While electric cars have gained popularity in recent years, there is still a significant market for hybrids.
According to Schäfer, just a year ago, hybrids were seen as outdated and expensive technology. However, within the past six months, there has been a sudden surge in demand for hybrids. Volkswagen’s decision to offer PHEV options for models like the Tiguan, Golf, and Passat was initially met with skepticism. However, Schäfer is now glad they made this choice and believes they may even need to expand their PHEV lineup.
Schäfer emphasized that while hybrids are a bridge technology, the ultimate objective is full electrification. He stated that he is “absolutely sure the future is electric.” Therefore, Volkswagen will continue to develop and improve hybrid technology but does not anticipate creating a completely new drivetrain. Instead, future PHEVs will likely use variations of the existing system found in current models.
Volkswagen’s PHEVs currently offer some of the longest electric ranges on the market. For example, the latest versions of the Golf, Passat, and Tiguan PHEVs can travel approximately 62 miles with the petrol engine turned off. As the company moves forward, their focus will be on reducing costs and increasing electric range.
Despite investing in hybrid technology, Volkswagen remains committed to developing new electric vehicle platforms. The updated version of their Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform, known as MEB Plus, is scheduled for production in 2025. Additionally, the company is working on a successor to the MEB platform called the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which is expected to be ready for production in 2026.
In conclusion, Volkswagen’s decision to continue investing in plug-in hybrid technology reflects a broader industry trend. As demand for electric cars stabilizes, automakers are recognizing the importance of offering a range of powertrain options to meet consumer needs. Hybrids serve as a transitional technology towards full electrification, and Volkswagen intends to leverage their existing PHEV system to develop future models. By doing so, they aim to reduce costs and improve electric range while also focusing on the development of new electric vehicle platforms.
