Test Drive VW Multivan and California as All-Wheel-Drive Plug-In Hybrids

Related Vendors

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles electrifies Multivan and California as plug-in hybrids with all-wheel drive. The highlight: The battery's energy climatizes the interior.

A wonderful summer day on the North Sea beach. But if the camper van has been in the sun all day, sleeping at night is hardly an option. The VW Multivan and California models climatize the interior even when there's no power outlet nearby. Of course, the reverse is also true for a warm interior when it's freezing cold outside.

The battery, with a capacity of almost 20 kWh in both plug-in hybrid variants, primarily supports driving but is also practical when stationary. With the electrified drive variant, the manufacturer expands its offering for people who spend a lot of time in nature and stay overnight on-site. This year, the "Bulli," as the VW Bus is colloquially known, celebrates its 75th anniversary. Originally intended as a transporter for people and materials, subsequent variants have become a temporary rolling home for many.

Commercial vehicles

75 years of Bulli and a solid result

First MQB Deployment as All-Wheel-Drive Hybrid

The Multivan is the first vehicle in the group to combine the modular transverse matrix (MQB) with hybrid technology and all-wheel drive. The MQB allows the 96 battery cell modules as well as the fuel tank to be accommodated in the vehicle floor. This keeps the interior floor flat. The continuous rail system enables flexible layout options. The Multivan can serve as a mobile office with a table and opposing seating rows. Those who need to transport larger items like furniture or a washing machine can remove individual seats until enough space is available.

Those sleeping in the Multivan fold out a lying surface over the reclined seats. The California versions, with their fold-out pop-up roofs, are fully designed to meet the needs of camping enthusiasts.

In the eHybrid 4-Motion version of both vehicles, a 1.5-liter TSI evo 2 gasoline engine with 130 kW/177 hp operates in the front. It is complemented by a permanently excited electric synchronous motor with 85 kW. The driver can choose whether to drive in hybrid mode or purely electric. The menu also allows for "saving" electric energy for the destination area. Approximately 95 km (approx. 60 miles) of purely electric driving is possible.

Second Electric Drive for All-Wheel-Drive Mode

If the driver switches to driving mode S, the electric drive in the rear with 100 kW is activated. This gives the Multivan and California all-wheel drive. This can make all the difference on sandy beach paths, icy roads, or muddy meadows after a rainy festival. Since there is no physical connection between the front and rear motors, two power electronics modules control the power distribution to the four wheels. Together, the motors accelerate the 2.2-ton Multivan from a standstill to 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph) in 8.9 seconds. The all-wheel drive with the electric rear axle functions up to speeds of 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph). Beyond that, only the hybrid motor at the front operates. The Multivan can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h (approx. 120 mph).

Since all-wheel drive is particularly important when starting off as well as off paved roads, it functions even with an empty battery. In this case, the combustion engine acts as a generator. The electrical energy is transmitted directly to the rear axle.

Gallery

Plug-In Hybrid for Fast Chargers

The electric energy for the battery is either recuperated or supplied externally. The special feature is that fast charging with CCS connectors is also possible. Those who drive longer distances electrically can stop at so-called High Power Chargers (HPC) along the motorway and recharge with up to 50 kW of direct current. From ten to eighty percent of the battery capacity can be charged in 26 minutes. For the charging break, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles expands its infotainment offering with the game selection of Air Console Games. Players use their smartphones as controllers and play together, such as Uno, Pac Man, or answer questions in "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?".

If the storage space in the standard version of the Multivan, measuring 4.97 m (approx. 16 ft) in length, is not sufficient, the 5.17 m (approx. 17 ft) version with an extended rear overhang can be selected. Additionally, up to 100 kg can be transported on the roof or up to 2,000 kg in a braked trailer. However, the total range of 700 km (approx. 430 miles) with a full tank and battery is likely to be reduced in that case.

Future-Proof Authentication with Universal RFID Readers

Universal RFID Readers: One Solution for All Credentials