Volkswagen has confirmed that the upcoming eighth generation Golf hatchback will be available with an electrified mild-hybrid setup.
After other VW Group models have begun to utilise mild hybrid technology with the help of a 48V electrical system, the Golf will be VW’s first attempt with the powertrain technology.
Dr Frank Welsch, Volkswagen board member for passenger vehicle technical development, said: “Electrifying conventional drives will enable us to further reduce consumption and emissions while also increasing dynamics and convenience.
“We are starting this extensive electrification campaign with Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle to date – the Golf. Our newly developed, cost-effective 48-V mild hybrid will pave the way for introducing this type of technology to the mainstream.”
The technology allows the car to ‘coast’ at certain speeds by turning the engine off, enabling the unit to use less fuel and improve efficiency, as well as the setup improving the performance of the car overall.
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The system would start the vehicle using a belt generator, helping the car get off the line quicker and providing more torque. Electricity for the setup would be recuperated through braking.
Welsch added: “The basic interaction of different energy sources – electricity, petrol, diesel and natural gas – represents a paradigm shift at Volkswagen. For the first time, the company will simultaneously offer product lines, such as the Golf with conventional, electrically assisted drives, as well as product lines such as the I.D. with purely electrical drives in the future”.
