At the heart of this new setup is a powerful combination of engines. There's a 1.5 TSI evo2 four-cylinder engine working alongside two electric motors - one on the front axle and another on the rear. Together, they pump out 180 kW (245 PS) of power.
The system's battery is no slouch either. With a capacity of 19.7 kWh, it's almost twice as powerful as the previous Multivan eHybrid's battery. This extra juice translates to some serious electric range - up to 95 kilometers for the Multivan and 91 kilometers for the California.
The new models don't come cheap, though. The standard-length Multivan eHybrid 4MOTION starts at 70,668.15 euros, while the extended body California eHybrid 4MOTION will set you back at least 77,772.45 euros. For those who want a bit more luxury, there's the California eHybrid in Beach Tour specification, starting at 82,907.30 euros.
What makes these vehicles special isn't just their hybrid nature. The petrol engine has been optimized with features like a VTG turbocharger and high-pressure injection, making it more efficient and cleaner. The electric motors are no afterthought either - the rear motor alone puts out 100 kW (136 PS).
Volkswagen has also improved the charging capabilities. These new models can handle AC charging up to 11kW, a big step up from the previous 3.6 kW. They've also added DC rapid charging up to 50kW, a first for these vehicles.
Source: Volkswagen
