Volkswagen presented a new full hybrid system (HEV) at the International Vienna Motor Symposium. This technology will debut at the end of 2026 in the brand’s updated bestsellers — the Golf and T-Roc. Previously, buyers had to choose between the "mild" eTSI hybrid and the plug-in hybrid that requires a socket, but now there will be a golden mean.
The new power unit will have a simple name, Hybrid. Its main feature is the ability to drive on electric traction without the need to look for a charging station. The system knows by itself when to recharge the battery using recuperation or a generator. This is a response to Japanese competitors, who have dominated the segment of self-charging hybrids for years.
1.5 TSI and two electric motors
The system is based on the time-proven 1.5 TSI evo2 petrol turbo engine, which works in conjunction with two electric units. One of them is responsible for moving the wheels, while the other acts as a generator. The energy is stored in a 1.6 kWh (NMC technology) lithium-ion battery, which is hidden under the floor in the rear of the car. This allowed preserving useful space in the trunk.
Volkswagen engineers abandoned the classical gearbox in favor of a compact hybrid module on the front axle. It includes the traction motor, motor-generator, control electronics, differential, and transmission with a fixed gear ratio. This is complemented by a multi-disc clutch with electronic control that smoothly switches energy flows between the internal combustion engine and the electric components.
Three modes for city and highway
The system works fully automatically, adapting to speed and load. There are three main operating scenarios:
- Electric: at low speeds, the car turns into an electric car, and the ICE is completely disconnected from the transmission.
- Sequential: the petrol engine operates in the most efficient RPM range, but does not directly drive the wheels and only powers the generator for the electric motor operation.
- Parallel: at high speeds, the ICE becomes the main source of traction, and the electric motor assists it during overtaking or intense acceleration.
The driver can also choose one of three profiles: Eco for maximum savings, Comfort for balanced driving, and Sport, where the system keeps the engine "in shape," ready to deliver maximum power at any moment. This approach significantly reduces fuel consumption in city traffic jams, where regular cars waste resources pointlessly.
