VW Golf Twin Drive Plug-In Hybrid Diesel

Originally published here.

Volkswagen announced the Golf Twin Drive Concept, a step toward a diesel plug-in hybrid. Jalopnik.com reports that the concept car runs in electric-only mode up to 30 miles, using an electric motor that makes 82 hp. In addition, there's a 2.0 liter 122 hp turbodiesel. The two engines combine for 174 hp. Regenerative braking to charge the batteries, engine turns off while stopped in traffic- the benefits of many good technologies. Only particulates from diesel exhaust remain a concern, but most people will run off the battery most of the time, given the short distance of the average car trip and the ability to charge the battery from the braking system. Volkswagen will work with the German government on a fleet of 20 Twin Drive Golfs for 2010. Much clean electricity is available in Germany from Wind and Solar power stations. No plans to export to the US at this time. Why don't we request it?

Comments: 7

Beth - Doing God's work Daily J. Jun 30, 2008, 1:39pm EDT

Thanks for posting on Getting to 3000 Together

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t b. Jun 30, 2008, 1:41pm EDT

I want a wind farm.
If the turbines weren't so expensive, we'd put one on my son's 60 acre farm.

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Randee "The Court Jester of LaLa Land ! ! !" always and forever, I just want to celebrate Jun 30, 2008, 4:12pm EDT

good question James

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Sam Carana Jun 30, 2008, 5:17pm EDT

Indeed, if enough people say they want such a car, they will come. Thanks for sharing, James.

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Mary G. Jul 25, 2008, 12:55am EDT

I will never get another VW, as spent my college years pushing my car to start it. I'll admit was a weight lifter, so didn't have any trouble pushing and starting, but had to do this in the rain a large part of the year, as lived in Western Oregon where it rains a lot in that area.

I don't want to push any car in my "older years".

Thanks for stopping by my article.

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James B. Jul 25, 2008, 1:18am EDT

Mary, I understand your position. I don't know when you were in college, but VW's have changed a lot over my lifetime (in the US, anyway). I'm almost 50. Not that I have a vested interest in one car or another- I just hope everyone can cut back on car use and get far, far better gas mileage with the next purchase than with the last one. Hopefully with an electric car or hybrid. But we need to get these alternative cars in the showrooms in big numbers so the prices can drop.

I enjoyed your article!

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VW Golf Twin Drive Plug-In Hybrid Diesel

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