AutoblogGreen

AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[VW, BASF giving out 50,000 euro award for electrochemistry, better batteries]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/vw-basf-giving-out-50-000-euro-award-for-electrochemistry-bett/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/vw-basf-giving-out-50-000-euro-award-for-electrochemistry-bett/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/vw-basf-giving-out-50-000-euro-award-for-electrochemistry-bett/#commentsFiled under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen

vw jetta hybrid

As a company that sees plug-in hybrids as the future, it makes sense that Volkswagen would want to advance the technology needed for these cars. What's less expected is how VW wants to do this: through a new annual "Science Award for Electrochemistry," offered jointly with BASF SE, that any researcher on the planet can apply for at this website.

With a total prize purse of 50,000 euros ($63,664 U.S. at today's exchange rates), the award is intended to "promote outstanding accomplishments in science and engineering from which stimulation may be gained for the development of high-performance energy storage devices." That means, basically, better batteries for hybrids and other electric drive vehicles, ones that last a long time. VW's chairman of the board of management, Martin Winterkorn, said in a statement that, "We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of ensuring that Volkswagen battery systems will facilitate reliable day-to-day operations for 10 years, thus lasting for a normal automotive life span."

Interested applicants can submit applications through August 3rd, and the award ceremony will take place in Wolfsburg, Germany in October.

Continue reading VW, BASF giving out 50,000 euro award for electrochemistry, better batteries

VW, BASF giving out 50,000 euro award for electrochemistry, better batteries originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basfbatterybattery lifeelectric vehicleelectrochemistrymartin winkerkornplug-in hybridscience awardvolkswagenvwMon, 21 May 2012 10:12:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20241683/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20241683/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/vw-basf-giving-out-50-000-euro-award-for-electrochemistry-bett/20241683/article-detail.xml

20241683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jetta-hybrid-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/jetta-hybrid-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen mulling Up!-based crossover]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/volkswagen-mulling-up-based-crossover/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/volkswagen-mulling-up-based-crossover/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/volkswagen-mulling-up-based-crossover/#commentsFiled under: MPG, Volkswagen

We knew the three-door Volkswagen Up! was going to shape-shift into other variants, one of them being a five-door version that's due later this year. According to word in German newspaper Handelsblatt, the well-received Cross-Up!, which provided clues to the styling of the five-door Up! could actually be the follow-up.

Crossovers remain popular just about everywhere and their sales are on the rise in Europe, so it's no surprise that manufacturers are finding ways to create market-specific versions. According to the preliminary numbers, the The Cross Up! would slot in at $6,000 less than the larger Tiguan. And like every other tiny Euro crossover - well, almost - we shouldn't ever expect to see it here.

Volkswagen mulling Up!-based crossover originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross upupvolkswagenvolkswagen cross upvolkswagen upWed, 09 May 2012 13:57:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20234783/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20234783/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/volkswagen-mulling-up-based-crossover/20234783/article-detail.xml

20234783 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/crossupcoming_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/crossupcoming.jpg <![CDATA[High-mpg Taylors drive a Volkswagen Passat 1,626 miles on one tank of fuel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/volkswagen-jetta-goes-1-626-miles-on-one-tank-of-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/volkswagen-jetta-goes-1-626-miles-on-one-tank-of-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/volkswagen-jetta-goes-1-626-miles-on-one-tank-of-gas/#commentsFiled under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen

Watch out, Wayne Gerdes, there's a new hypermiling crew in town.

John and Helen Taylor - Volkswagen calls them "mileage experts" and "the world's most fuel efficient couple" - recently drove a stock 2012 Passat TDI SE all the way from Houston, TX to Sterling, VA without refueling. That's 1,626.1 miles from just 19.3 gallons. Bad with numbers? VW has done the math for you: it's 84.1 miles per gallon (we came up with 84.2, but who's counting?).

The three-day trip happened earlier this month, and it turns out that the Taylors are not new to the high mileage game. They have previously set the "48 Contiguous U.S. States Fuel Economy Guinness World Record." Still, the new Passat TDI record is impressive and it mimics some of the ways that Gerdes runs his hypermiling trips. As you can see in the gallery, the gas tank was filled to the brim with gas (see here) and there was a LOT of documentation going on during the trip. These sorts of things are important, since the Taylors often run workshops on driving efficiently and have, over the years, "collected more than 90 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe." They run the website Fuel Academy.

*UPDATE: Yes, we've changed "gas" in the headline to "fuel."

Continue reading High-mpg Taylors drive a Volkswagen Passat 1,626 miles on one tank of fuel

High-mpg Taylors drive a Volkswagen Passat 1,626 miles on one tank of fuel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean dieseldistance recordfuel academyhelen taylorhypermilingjettajetta tdijohn taylortdiwayne gerdesTue, 08 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20233323/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20233323/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/volkswagen-jetta-goes-1-626-miles-on-one-tank-of-gas/20233323/article-detail.xml

20233323 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/taylors-jetta-mpg-vw-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/taylors-jetta-mpg-vw-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen's People's Car Project in China offers three concepts, including a hovering EV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/06/volkswagens-peoples-car-project-in-china-has-produced-three-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/06/volkswagens-peoples-car-project-in-china-has-produced-three-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/06/volkswagens-peoples-car-project-in-china-has-produced-three-co/#commentsFiled under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen, China

Last year, Volkswagen commenced its People's Car Project in China to create crowdsourced concepts of the VW of the future. More than 33 million people visited the site, and three concepts were created from the inputs: the Music Car, the Hover Car and the Smart Key.

The Music Car is a Beetle wrapped in LEDs that change colors to match the driver's choice of music. The Hover Car is a zero-emissions two-seater that, no surprise, hovers over electromagnetic road networks. The Smart Key is Big Brother for your car, for your pocket: the hig-def touchscreen on the nine millimeter key can track the status of your car and keep an eye on it via "satellite transmission."

The project is continuing, so you can still post your thoughts to VW's future. In the meantime there's a video and a couple of press releases after the jump for more on the story.

Continue reading Volkswagen's People's Car Project in China offers three concepts, including a hovering EV

Volkswagen's People's Car Project in China offers three concepts, including a hovering EV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 06 May 2012 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showconcept carelectric vehiclehover carmusic carpcppeoples car projectsmart keyvideovideosvolkswagenyoutubeSun, 06 May 2012 16:22:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232168/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232168/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/06/volkswagens-peoples-car-project-in-china-has-produced-three-co/20232168/article-detail.xml

20232168 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/vwbeijing12concs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/vwbeijing12concs.jpg <![CDATA[U.S., German automakers will demo fast-charging system at EVS26]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/u-s-german-automakers-will-demo-fast-charging-system-at-evs26/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/u-s-german-automakers-will-demo-fast-charging-system-at-evs26/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/04/u-s-german-automakers-will-demo-fast-charging-system-at-evs26/#commentsFiled under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Manufacturing/Plants, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Porsche, Volkswagen, EVS, Daimler

BMW, Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen are among the eight U.S. and German automakers that will demonstrate a single-port fast-charging system for electric vehicles at the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 (EV26) in Los Angeles starting next week.

Audi, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and Porsche will also show off the so-called DC-fast system, which will be able to recharge most battery-electric vehicles in as little as 15 minutes.

With a combination AC and DC charging capabilities, the DC-fast system is supposed to start sales by the end of the year and will enable U.S. and German plug-ins to be able to be recharged at most public charging stations while also accommodating high-powered fast-charging stations. The International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has officially tapped the system as the standard for fast-charging.

Electric-vehicle proponents consider the establishment of a fast-charging standard to be an important key to plug-in vehicle adoption because the availability of publicly accessible fast chargers that can recharge a vehicle in minutes instead of hours makes range anxiety a moot point. Pike Research said last year that annual revenue generated by makers of electric-vehicle charging equipment will increase more than tenfold between 2011 and 2017 to about $4.3 billion.

Still, the fast-charging issue is far from settled because a separate fast-charging standard - CHAdeMO - has been proposed by the Japanese automotive industry. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries are all partners in the CHAdeMO Association.

Continue reading U.S., German automakers will demo fast-charging system at EVS26

U.S., German automakers will demo fast-charging system at EVS26 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 04 May 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwchademocharging stationschryslerdaimlerdc-fastelectric vehiclefordgmporschevolkswagenFri, 04 May 2012 09:59:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230451/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20230451/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/04/u-s-german-automakers-will-demo-fast-charging-system-at-evs26/20230451/article-detail.xml

20230451 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dccombined_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dccombined.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-lowers-its-lid-in-beijing/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-lowers-its-lid-in-beijing/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-lowers-its-lid-in-beijing/#commentsFiled under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen, China

Volkswagen E-Bugster concept - top down in Beijing

Back in January at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled a concept car called the E-Bugster. A chopped-down, electric-powered Beetle roadster, the E-Bugster cut a lean, mean, green profile. The only thing that was missing, ironically, was a chance to see the convertible with its top off.

If you're going to make a roadster, at least have the courtesy of showing it off with the roof down, right? Fortunately, Volkswagen has fixed that in time for the concept's Asian premier at the Beijing Auto Show, revealing a cowled rear deck replacing the rear seats inside the chrome bezel surrounding the cabin.

Aside from the open cockpit, the E-Bugster you see here is the same as the Detroit car, complete with its 114-horsepower electric powertrain that can take you up to 100 miles and quick-charge to 80-percent capacity in just half an hour. Scope it out with its hair down in the gallery above and with it up in the gallery below.

Continue reading Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing

Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 beijing motor showbeetlebeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showe-bugstervolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen e-bugstervolkswagen e-bugster conceptvwMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:49:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20221863/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20221863/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/23/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-lowers-its-lid-in-beijing/20221863/article-detail.xml

20221863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/bugster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/bugster.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Up! named 2012 World Car of the Year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/volkswagen-up-named-2012-world-car-of-the-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/volkswagen-up-named-2012-world-car-of-the-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/volkswagen-up-named-2012-world-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Ford, Volkswagen, New York Auto Show

As is tradition, Day Two of the 2012 New York Auto Show kicked off with the annual World Car of the Year awards. Global entries competed for honors in four different categories, and from the initial list of 34 contenders, the final four were selected this morning.

The big winner was the 2012 Volkswagen Up! subcompact, which takes home the honor of World Car of the Year, beating out its other finalists, the BMW 3 Series and Porsche 911. We've had a chance to drive VW's tiny runabout and, while it would be hard for the automaker to justify offering something this small in the United States (right now), we'd gladly welcome its tossable city dynamics and efficiency here on our shores. With a small bump in power, it could certainly show the Fiat 500 who's boss.

But the Up! wasn't the only car praised in New York this morning. The new 991-series Porsche 911 was named World Performance Car of the Year, besting other nominees like the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and McLaren MP4-12C. Stiff competition, for sure, but you just can't match the 911's razor-sharp precision, not to mention that this new 991 model is easily the best 911 yet.

Moving on to a different sort of performance, the Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI BlueEfficiency took top honors for its eco-performance, securing the World Green Car of the Year award. In this segment, the other two finalists were the Ford Focus Electric and Peugeot 3008 Hybrid greenlings.

Lastly, the WCOY jury selected the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque for the World Car Design of the Year - not really a surprise, seeing as how the baby Range Rover has been praised for its styling ever since the day it launched. Our condolences to the Citroën DS5 and Volkswagen Up! - you guys just aren't pretty enough.

See all of the World Car winners in our attached high-res galleries, and stay tuned for more details about this year's awards later today.

Full disclosure: Author is a juror and co-chair of the World Car of the Year Awards.

Volkswagen Up! named 2012 World Car of the Year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 world car of the year911evoquefeaturedfocusfocus electricfordland rovernew yorknew york 2012new york auto showporscherange roverupvolkswagenwcotyworld car of the yearThu, 05 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209213/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20209213/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/05/volkswagen-up-named-2012-world-car-of-the-year/20209213/article-detail.xml

20209213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-2012-volkswagen-up_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/01-2012-volkswagen-up.jpg <![CDATA[In deep with Volkswagen's 'most-of-the-above' alt-fuel strategy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/in-deep-with-volkswagens-most-of-the-above-alt-fuel-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/in-deep-with-volkswagens-most-of-the-above-alt-fuel-strategy/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/in-deep-with-volkswagens-most-of-the-above-alt-fuel-strategy/#commentsFiled under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

VW steadily developing an interest in Das Plug-ins... and algae diesel

If there's one truth about alternative fuel plans espoused by most of the major automakers, it's that they like an "all of the above" approach. They'll try flex-fuel, offer you some plug-in cars, toy with diesels in the U.S. and work on hydrogen cars for a few years down the road. No one wants to "pick a winner," which is one reason why gas is still winning, but today's automakers are willing to see what alternatives are out there. Just as they've been doing for decades.

Volkswagen recently invited journalists to its Electronics Research Laboratory in Silicon Valley to show off some of these alternatives: the vehicles, powertrains and biofuel partnerships it's working on for a more fuel-efficient future. Taking note of the omission of a hydrogen program, what we saw in California proves that VW is ready to compete in a variety of ways, from the way it makes its cars to the way they move.

Let's start with some of VW's better sellers. We'll get to the cleaner, niche programs in a minute. VW's LEED Platinum-certified Chattanooga plant builds the Passat, and it will be capable of building 170,000 vehicles a year by the end of 2013 (this includes vehicles for export). The Passat is selling well - 8,189 were sold in February - and if you get the diesel-burning TDI Passat, you are rewarded with 43 miles per gallon (on the highway, says the EPA. Combined is 35 and you get 31 in the city). The gas-electric Jetta Hybrid is coming in late 2012 as a 2013 model. That car will use a 1.4 liter turbocharger engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, electric motor and lithium-ion battery to give an estimated 45 mpg (compare this to the TDI, which gets 42 mpg highway), and you can push the car up to 44 miles per hour in EV mode and go from 0-60 in less than nine seconds. It's logical to think that Volkswagen can expect good things from this car, since all-around Jetta sales were up 54.5 percent in 2011.

So, that's some of where VW stands today with its green vehicle work. To see what's next, scroll down.

Continue reading In deep with Volkswagen's 'most-of-the-above' alt-fuel strategy

In deep with Volkswagen's 'most-of-the-above' alt-fuel strategy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amyrisbeetlee-golfelectric golfelectric vehiclegolfgolf evrenewable dieselsolazymetdivw dieselTue, 03 Apr 2012 19:41:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20199127/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20199127/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/in-deep-with-volkswagens-most-of-the-above-alt-fuel-strategy/20199127/article-detail.xml

20199127 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/e-golf-drive-17-628m_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/e-golf-drive-17-628m.jpg <![CDATA[VW announces Think Blue tour, details on E-Golf test fleet]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/vw-announces-think-blue-tour-details-on-e-golf-test-fleet/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/vw-announces-think-blue-tour-details-on-e-golf-test-fleet/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/vw-announces-think-blue-tour-details-on-e-golf-test-fleet/#commentsFiled under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen, USA

Volkswagen Electric Golf

Volkswagen's U.S. ecomobility promotion efforts reveals two new facets this week with the announcement of both a "Think Blue" tour and the official details of the E-Golf test program we first heard about a few weeks ago.

VW launched its Think Blue initiative in the U.S. last May with the idea to "encourage eco-friendly mobility and progressive ideas for responsible action in everyday life." The new Think Blue tour will hit 15 cities between now and the end of the year, bringing a semi truck full of information on VW's fuel-efficient vehicles to towns across the U.S., as well examples of vehicles like the 2013 Jetta Hybrid, E-Golf prototype and Passat TDI.

Aside from the E-Golf that is part of the tour, 20 units will be tested in Detroit, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. starting in April and continuing for nine months. The project, like so many EV test programs before it, is intended to collect data and to "monitor the effect of climate conditions, driving patterns, and energy performance." Remember, despite VW's claims that it is not behind the competition, some automakers *cough*Nissan*cough* have thousands of pure EVs in customer hands already. The all-electric Golf is scheduled to arrive in late 2013.

Continue reading VW announces Think Blue tour, details on E-Golf test fleet

VW announces Think Blue tour, details on E-Golf test fleet originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric golfelectric vehiclethink bluethink blue tourvolkswagen evvw evWed, 21 Mar 2012 17:57:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20197354/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20197354/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/vw-announces-think-blue-tour-details-on-e-golf-test-fleet/20197354/article-detail.xml

20197354 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/vw-think-blue-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/vw-think-blue-628.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche Panamera to get plug-in model for 2014?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/porsche-panamera-to-get-plug-in-model-for-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/porsche-panamera-to-get-plug-in-model-for-2014/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/porsche-panamera-to-get-plug-in-model-for-2014/#commentsFiled under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Porsche, Volkswagen

Porsche Panamera

Automotive News reports Porsche is hard at work on a plug-in hybrid version of its Panamera. According to unnamed sources, the vehicle is likely to begin production in 2014 and will be destined for the U.S. market. The move is part of a larger plug-in offensive from Volkswagen. VW owns 49.9 percent of Porsche and plans to debut electrified versions of its Audi Q7 and A3 as well as the European Passat. Those vehicles will reportedly trickle to market between 2014 and 2015. An all-electric Golf is also due in 2013.

Volkswagen has already made it clear the company believes the future of green driving lies in diesels and plug-in hybrids, saying the latter combines the best elements of electric propulsion and internal combustion without the compromises of a hybrid. So, why introduce plug-ins in the automaker's luxury brands? Volkswagen claims high-end buyers are more likely to take long trips, and thus need the range-extending capability of an internal combustion engine as well. Us? We think it's easier for well-heeled buyers to absorb the technology's cost premium in their already higher MSRPs.

Porsche Panamera to get plug-in model for 2014? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 porsche panamerapanamerapanamera plug-in hybridphevplug-inplug-in hybridporscheporsche panameraporsche panamera plug-in hybridMon, 19 Mar 2012 19:29:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20196580/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20196580/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/porsche-panamera-to-get-plug-in-model-for-2014/20196580/article-detail.xml

20196580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/porsche-panamera-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/porsche-panamera-628.jpg <![CDATA[Groundbreaking pre-production Volkswagen XL1 caught testing on the ice]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/groundbreaking-pre-production-volkswagen-xl1-caught-testing-on-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/groundbreaking-pre-production-volkswagen-xl1-caught-testing-on-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/groundbreaking-pre-production-volkswagen-xl1-caught-testing-on-t/#commentsFiled under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen, Spy Shots

Volkswagen XL1

Just over one year ago, we heard reports suggesting that Volkswagen would actually be building a production version of its Formula XL1 concept for limited consumption. And while the skeptics among us were quick to dismiss these reports with a resounding "yeah, right," this latest set of spy shots show that Volkswagen is indeed making progress on an honest-to-goodness road-going model of its 1.0-liter fuel economy warrior.

It's still unclear exactly what will power the production XL1, though the concept car featured a two-cylinder TDI diesel paired with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All in, this is said to be good for an astonishing 235 miles per gallon. It might look big and sleek, but the XL1 is about as long and wide as a Volkswagen Polo. It should be ultra-light, too - the concept version tipped the scales at just 1,753 pounds.

The XL1 might look sleek and sporty, but performance will be anything but. The latest reports state that the production car will be limited to a top speed of about 75 miles per hour, and that it'll take 32(!) seconds to shoot from a stand-still to 50 mph.

We'll keep our eyes peeled for future XL1 prototypes as development continues, but for now, scroll through our attached high-res image gallery to see the space-age VW for yourself.

Groundbreaking pre-production Volkswagen XL1 caught testing on the ice originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclespy photosspy picsspy shotsvolkswagenvwxl1Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:01:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20195910/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20195910/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/groundbreaking-pre-production-volkswagen-xl1-caught-testing-on-t/20195910/article-detail.xml

20195910 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-volkswagen-xl1-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-volkswagen-xl1-spy-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW confirms late 2013 launch date for all-electric Golf]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/vw-confirms-late-2013-launch-date-for-all-electric-golf/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/vw-confirms-late-2013-launch-date-for-all-electric-golf/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/vw-confirms-late-2013-launch-date-for-all-electric-golf/#commentsFiled under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion

As we said when we first drove the Volkswagen Golf blue e-motion, Volkswagen is taking its time getting into the all-electric game. Given the tremendous ups and downs that electric vehicles and EV start-up companies are going through, maybe making sure you have a car where everything is working smoothly - to say nothing about getting the infrastructure in place - isn't such a bad idea. And it now seems like VW is confident enough in its Golf EV, which is undergoing testing in California, to push up its estimated release date from 2014 to late 2013. Sure, technically, that could be a difference of just one day, but we don't think that's what VW of America president Jonathan Browning meant when he confirmed next year's U.S. release date with Automotive News recently. Late 2013 is also when the car will go on sale in Europe. A plug-in hybrid Golf is supposed to go on sale in 2015.

Even though VW is getting ready to move into electric vehicle territory, it is well behind other automakers. Perhaps that's why it is also a bit less optimistic about potential success of plug-ins. The automaker expects just three percent of its new vehicles to be EVs or hybrids by 2018. You can read our second spin in the Golf blue e-motion here.

VW confirms late 2013 launch date for all-electric Golf originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclegolfgolf blue e-motiongolf e-motiongolf electricgolf evvw evvw golfThu, 15 Mar 2012 14:02:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20192381/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20192381/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/15/vw-confirms-late-2013-launch-date-for-all-electric-golf/20192381/article-detail.xml

20192381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/03-vw-golf-blue-e-motion-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/03-vw-golf-blue-e-motion-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT mixes fun and frugality]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/2012-volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: MPG, Volkswagen, Geneva Motor Show

2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT

Volkswagen already offers quite a bit of fun in the small hatchback segment with the 177-horsepower, 40-mpg Polo GTI, but for those wanting even better fuel economy without sacrificing any fun, VW has announced the Polo Blue GT.

Fitted with the new 1.4-liter TSI inline-four, the Blue GT is capable of achieving up to 50 mpg thanks to direct injection, cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology. With 138 horsepower, the hatchback is capable of reaching 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 130 mph.

Distinguishing itself from the rest of the Polo lineup, the Blue GT features a mix of components from the VW parts bin including front and rear bumpers and a rear spoiler from the Polo GTI, as well as side sills from the BlueMotion model. The car also features unique 17-inch wheels, special badging and a lowered ride height of 15mm. Inside the Blue GT gets redesigned sports seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and instrumentation from the GTI model.

Read up on the Volkswagen Polo Blue GT in VW's official press release below or browse through our live photos of the car in the gallery above.

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT mixes fun and frugality

2012 Volkswagen Polo Blue GT mixes fun and frugality originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 geneva motor showgeneva 2012geneva motor showpolopolo blue gtvolkswagenvolkswagen polo blue gtWed, 07 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188142/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20188142/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/2012-volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva-2012/20188142/article-detail.xml

20188142 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volkswagen-polo-blue-gt-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen introduces four new Up! concepts, because we didn't have enough already]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-up!-concepts-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-up!-concepts-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-up!-concepts-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: MPG, Volkswagen, Geneva Motor Show

Swiss. Winter. X. Cargo.

Those are the names of the four new Up! models that Volkswagen has brought to the Geneva Motor Show, the latest expansion of the supermini that by now has more personalities than the United States of Tara.

You might think the Swiss Up! is named for the its Geneva debut location, but instead it's all about versatility, like a Swiss Army knife. We couldn't get a view inside the car, but the name association is taken to the extreme with knife holders on the backs of the front seats. How's that for practical?

The Cargo version is a bit more self-explanatory, turning the small car into a reasonable delivery vehicle that will carry 49 cubic-feet of goods. The X Up!, on the other hand, is designed for adventure, with searchlights and a roof box. The Winter Up! comes ready for the mountain slopes with snowboards on the roof and a higher ride height to clear icy hurdles.

None of these clever new concepts will be available when the first Up! model goes on sale in Europe this week, but they do show that VW is serious about thinking outside the standard econobox. The Swiss Up! is the snazzy red one pictured above, and you can see all four models in the galleries we've included from the show floor.

Continue reading Volkswagen introduces four new Up! concepts, because we didn't have enough already

Volkswagen introduces four new Up! concepts, because we didn't have enough already originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cargo upgenevageneva 2012geneva motor showswiss upupvolkwagen upvw upwinter upx upTue, 06 Mar 2012 16:58:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20187259/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20187259/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/volkswagen-up!-concepts-geneva-2012/20187259/article-detail.xml

20187259 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/092012-volkswagen-swiss-upgeneva2012-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/092012-volkswagen-swiss-upgeneva2012-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen will invest more than $55 billion to cut vehicle, factory emissions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-will-invest-more-than-55-billion-to-cut-vehicle-fac/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-will-invest-more-than-55-billion-to-cut-vehicle-fac/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-will-invest-more-than-55-billion-to-cut-vehicle-fac/#commentsFiled under: Emerging Technologies, Manufacturing/Plants, Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG announced this week that it will spend more than $55 billion over the next four years reducing carbon emissions from both its vehicles and factories, as the German automaker looks to increase sales by boosting its credibility as an environmentally friendly vehicle maker. You can see the beginnings of this plan in the company's Chattanooga plant, which we visited late last year.

VW said that "well over two thirds" of the 62.4 billion euros ($82.5 billion U.S. at current exchange rates) it will invest through 2016 will be earmarked towards making more fuel-efficient vehicles as well as more ecologically friendly factories worldwide. The company, which unveiled its plan at the Geneva Motor Show this week, estimated that its 2015 model-year vehicles will, on average, have 30 percent lower emissions than the 2006 model-year vehicles, and that each new generation of a model will boost fuel efficiency by at least 10 percent compared to the previous version.

In addition to vehicle improvements, VW wants to cut factory-generated greenhouse-gas emissions by 40 percent by the end of the decade, and will invest about $800 million on renewable-energy sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric.

Volkswagen made the announcement as it starts sales if its Up! supermini vehicle in Europe, and is showing off four variations of that model in Geneva this week. The automaker hasn't announced any plans to sell the model in the U.S. Last month, VW started testing a battery-electric version of its Golf hatchback in the San Francisco Bay Area while announcing plans to sell a Golf plug-in hybrid in 2015. VW will unveil a Golf PHEV concept vehicle at the Paris Motor Show this September, according to Plug In Cars.

For the 2010 model year, the most recent year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released fleetwide fuel-economy statistics for, VW's U.S. fleet averaged 24.6 miles per gallon, the third-best among the 14 largest vehicle makers in the U.S. market.

Continue reading Volkswagen will invest more than $55 billion to cut vehicle, factory emissions

Volkswagen will invest more than $55 billion to cut vehicle, factory emissions originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automakercarbonemissionsfactorygreenhouse gasgreenhouse gas emissionsplantrenewablevolkswagenTue, 06 Mar 2012 13:56:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186363/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186363/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/volkswagen-will-invest-more-than-55-billion-to-cut-vehicle-fac/20186363/article-detail.xml

20186363 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/vwups_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/vwups.jpg <![CDATA[Handsome Volkswagen Cross Coupé turns red, gains diesel plug-in tech]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-cross-coupe-phev-diesel-concept-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-cross-coupe-phev-diesel-concept-geneva-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/06/volkswagen-cross-coupe-phev-diesel-concept-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen, Geneva Motor Show

While technically still a concept, Volkswagen has rolled out another version of its Cross Coupé that first debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show last November. The handsome compact crossover rides on VW's new transverse matrix architecture and it's smaller than you think, which means it should be rather entertaining to drive with this iteration's TDI diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain boasting a combined 302 horsepower.

Reaching 62 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds and pushing on to a top speed of 137 mph, the Cross Coupé seems to offer a solid amount of entertainment along with impressive thrift. On the European cycle, VW says this vehicle should be good for an impressive 130 miles per gallon equivalent, thanks in part to a pure electric range of 28 miles.

We weren't able to get inside the Cross Coupé concept this time, but if the Tokyo show star was any indication, this vehicle looks production ready - though perhaps without this showcar's exotic powertrain. Check it out in our full gallery and look in on the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading Handsome Volkswagen Cross Coupé turns red, gains diesel plug-in tech

Handsome Volkswagen Cross Coupé turns red, gains diesel plug-in tech originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross coupecrosscoupegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen cross coupevwTue, 06 Mar 2012 08:45:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186696/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186696/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/06/volkswagen-cross-coupe-phev-diesel-concept-geneva-2012/20186696/article-detail.xml

20186696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volkswagen-cross-coupe-phev-628-1331027551_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volkswagen-cross-coupe-phev-628-1331027551.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota widens U.S. hybrid lead in February sales]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/toyota-widens-u-s-hybrid-lead-in-february/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/toyota-widens-u-s-hybrid-lead-in-february/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/toyota-widens-u-s-hybrid-lead-in-february/#commentsFiled under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Volkswagen, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

Last month, Toyota pitched its hybrid vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show by partnering with Hasbro to make a Monopoly-inspired road course inside McCormick Center's South Hall.

The concept proved prescient as the Japanese automaker appeared to further dominate competitors such as Ford and Honda when it came to U.S. hybrid sales last month. Toyota, which appeared to benefit from both rising U.S. gas prices and what was likely pent-up demand for hybrids that were supply-constrained last year, increased February hybrid vehicle sales by a whopping 60 percent from a year earlier to 27,458 vehicles. Prius sales jumped 52 percent from February 2011 to 20,589 vehicles while the Toyota-branded non-Prius hybrid vehicle sales grew even faster, at an 81 percent clip. The company didn't break out sales figures for its other hybrid models, but with Toyota reporting an overall Camry sales increase of 22 percent, the newly redesigned Camry Hybrid was likely a major factor.

Additionally, Toyota's Lexus division doubled February sales from a year earlier to 2,645 vehicles, with the newer Lexus CT 200h most likely making an impact on those numbers.

Toyota's competitors weren't so fortunate.

Toyota's competitors weren't so fortunate, however, as Ford and Honda buyers appeared to opt for fuel-efficient conventionally powered vehicles over hybrids in an effort to save gas and money. Ford's February hybrid sales dropped 24 percent from a year earlier to, 1,963 units, with the small increase in Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sales more than offset by a 20-percent drop in Ford Fusion Hybrid sales and a 45-percent decline in Ford Escape Hybrid sales. Such results contrasted with Ford's overall performance last month, as vehicle sales rose 14 percent from a year earlier. Ford, which more than doubled unit sales of its fuel-efficient Focus, is hoping for a boost in its alt-fuel demand from the soon-to-debut Ford Focus Electric. That vehicle was just given an EPA rating of 105 miles per gallon equivalent, making it officially more efficient than both the Nissan Leaf battery-electric and the upcoming Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid.

As bad as Ford fared in hybrid sales last month, Honda fared worse. The Japanese automaker's hybrid sales plunged 41 percent from a year earlier to 1,981 vehicles. While Civic Hybrid sales were up 39 percent, CR-Z and Insight sales both dropped at least 55 percent from February 2011.

Whether the Volt sustains its momentum remains to be seen.

As for electric-drive vehicles, General Motors' Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in vehicle beat out the Leaf in February sales, with the Volt moving 1,023 vehicles - more than tripling February 2011 sales - and Nissan selling 478 Leafs, a sevenfold increase from a year earlier. Whether the Volt sustains its momentum remains to be seen, as General Motors is halting Volt production for five weeks in order for dealers to get some of the plug-ins off of their lots.

With U.S. gas prices jumping about 20 cents a gallon last month to $3.74, Volkswagen boosted its sales of its more fuel-efficient diesel-powered models by 55 percent from a year earlier to 6,513 vehicles. Audi, however, reported a 26 percent drop in its diesel vehicle sales from February 2011 to 390 vehicles.

Finally, Mitsubishi, which debuted its i battery-electric vehicle in the U.S. late last year, moved 44 units, up from 36 in January. See a chart of all these number after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota widens U.S. hybrid lead in February sales

Toyota widens U.S. hybrid lead in February sales originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>by the numberschevroletfebruaryfocusfordgreen car saleshondahybridhybrid salesileafnissanpriussalestoyotavoltMon, 05 Mar 2012 17:56:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20184988/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20184988/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/toyota-widens-u-s-hybrid-lead-in-february/20184988/article-detail.xml

20184988 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/green-vehicle-sales_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/green-vehicle-sales.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen revisits PHEV Cross Coupé concept for Geneva]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/volkswagen-revisits-phev-cross-coupe-concept-for-geneva/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/volkswagen-revisits-phev-cross-coupe-concept-for-geneva/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/volkswagen-revisits-phev-cross-coupe-concept-for-geneva/#commentsFiled under: Diesel, Hybrid, Volkswagen, Geneva Motor Show

Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept

The Volkswagen Cross Coupe is back and headed to the Geneva Motor Show this week, this time with an innovative plug-in diesel hybrid drivetrain under the hood.

Details are scarce at the moment, but the company says a TDI engine works in conjunction with not one, but two electric motors to propel the vehicle. All told, the combination is good for fuel economy of 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers on the European cycle, which translates to a staggering 130 miles per gallon. It's worth remembering, however, that European and domestic testing cycles vary greatly.

Even with the vehicle's impressive fuel economy, the Cross Coupe has over 300 horsepower on tap and a top speed of 136 mph. We certainly like the sound of that combination. So, is a diesel hybrid from Volkswagen headed to production anytime soon? Hard telling. Odds are we'll hear more when the Cross Coupe debuts later this week. Hit the jump for the brief press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen revisits PHEV Cross Coupé concept for Geneva

Volkswagen revisits PHEV Cross Coupé concept for Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross coupecross coupe conceptdiesel hybriddiesel hybrid cross coupegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen cross coupe cocneptMon, 05 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186096/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186096/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/volkswagen-revisits-phev-cross-coupe-concept-for-geneva/20186096/article-detail.xml

20186096 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volkswagen-cross-coupe-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/volkswagen-cross-coupe-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW starts testing electric-powered Golf in California]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/vw-starts-testing-electric-powered-golf-in-california/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/vw-starts-testing-electric-powered-golf-in-california/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/vw-starts-testing-electric-powered-golf-in-california/#commentsFiled under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen

Volkswagen last week started testing a battery-electric version of its Golf hatchback in the San Francisco Bay Area as the German automaker looks to test about 20 of its so-called "Golf Blue-e-motion" vehicles on U.S. roads, GreenCarReports.com said.

VW, whose Electronic Research Laboratory is in Belmont, CA, will test a vehicle whose battery pack can be split into a few sections in order to better balance the car, the website said. The 114-horsepower plug-in can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in about 12 seconds and has a top speed of 87 miles per hour as well as a single-charge range of about 90 miles.

VW, which hasn't announced official plans to start selling the battery-electric Golf, said earlier this month that it would start selling a Golf plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in 2015. That model will likely pair a 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine with a 107-horsepower electric motor and will be able to go as far as 30 miles in electric-only mode. VW will unveil a Golf PHEV concept vehicle at the Paris Motor Show this September, according to PlugInCars.com.

In late 2010, VW unveiled the Golf Blue e-motion in Germany and said at the time that the prototype had a single-charge range of about 100 miles and that the range would be "significantly improved" by the time the model was sold to the public in 2014 (read this for our first-drive review).

VW starts testing electric-powered Golf in California originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belmontblue-e-motioncaliforniaelectric vehiclegolftestingvolkswagenWed, 29 Feb 2012 13:58:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20181786/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20181786/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/vw-starts-testing-electric-powered-golf-in-california/20181786/article-detail.xml

20181786 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/vw-golf-628g_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/vw-golf-628g.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic drives a poo-powered car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/translogic-drives-a-poo-powered-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/translogic-drives-a-poo-powered-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/translogic-drives-a-poo-powered-car/#commentsFiled under: Volkswagen, UK, Videos

Bio Bug

Translogic has driven a lot of interesting vehicles over the past two years. Our sister site filmed some of the first seat time in a Chevrolet Volt, drove Local Motors' Rally Fighter, got behind the wheel of an electric DeLorean, turned in the first test drive of the Lightning GT supercar, tried out the YikeBike, and even found a wacky wood-powered car called the "Beaver." You'd think there wouldn't be anything more outrageous for those guys to find seat time in. Yet they've managed to find yet another crazy transportation project with an alternative power source to top them all: human waste.

While we've written about Geneco's Bio Bug before, this episode of Translogic features an actual road test, filmed onsite at the Wessex Water waste treatment plant in England. The plant produces biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide gas that's used to power this Volkswagen New Beetle. The conversion sounds pretty straightforward, and is similar to adapting a gasoline engine to run on propane.

Click past the jump to see the full episode.

Continue reading Translogic drives a poo-powered car

Translogic drives a poo-powered car originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlebio buggenecomethanemethane gasmethane gas powered carnew beetletranslogicvolkswagenvwwessex waterThu, 23 Feb 2012 17:55:00 EST

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20178388/article-comments.xml

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20178388/article-comments.html

http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/23/translogic-drives-a-poo-powered-car/20178388/article-detail.xml

20178388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/xl-bio-bug-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/xl-bio-bug-opt.jpg -1 2