The Volkswagen Blue-e-Motion platform received a boost during the recent 2012 North American International Auto Show. Representatives from the automaker headed to Detroit for the premiere of the Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster. Volkswagen is building off the continuing success of the Jetta sedan among young consumers with the Jetta Hybrid. The E-Bugster vaults Volkswagen into the future with an all-electric drive system for the European market. The future of Volkswagen lies within the Blue-e-Motion drive slated for installation across the company’s fleet starting in 2013.
The Jetta Hybrid combines components from the Touareg Hybrid SUV with advancements that increase fuel efficiency. The hybrid drive system features an 110kW diesel engine, a 20kW electric motor along with a seven-speed transmission. Volkswagen noted that the Jetta Hybrid can travel up to 43 miles per hour for a distance of 1.2 miles using only electric power. This all-electric mode leverages brake energy stored in the 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. Performance metrics include a fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon and a 0-60 MPH time of less than nine seconds. These metrics should appease traditional Volkswagen fans while nudging the automaker further into the green vehicle market.
The E-Bugster uses an 85kW electric motor and a 28.3 kWh lithium-ion battery to achieve a range of 110 miles per charge. Volkswagen kept the Blue-e-Motion drive system under 80 kilograms to balance curb weight with fuel economy. This all-electric concept can hit 60 MPH from a dead stop in 10.9 seconds. Drivers can use 120-volt home outlets for standard charging and quick chargers for full recharges in about 35 minutes. The Combined Charging System developed with Audi, BMW, Daimler and Porsche allows a motorist to recharge at almost any station on the market today.
Volkswagen generated plenty of buzz in Detroit for the Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster. The Jetta Hybrid represents a short-term measure to attract Volkswagen enthusiasts concerned about rising fuel prices. This model maintains the popular styling of the traditional version while reducing fuel consumption significantly. Industry experts and casual observers alike were impressed by the E-Bugster’s potential as a rival to the Nissan LEAF. Volkswagen threw down the gauntlet to fellow automakers by focusing on smaller details like compatibility between plug-in units and charging stations.
