What is the difference between TwinDrive and a conventional hybrid vehicle?

TwinDrive has a longer electric range than conventional hybrids. It can drive up to 50 kilometres (about 30 miles) under electric power alone. In addition, it is very simple to charge: a normal 230 volt socket is enough. The electric motor delivers a power of 60 kW and a maximum speed of 120 km/h (about 75 mph).

In long-distance mode, TwinDrive uses the combustion engine without electric conversion losses, because the force is transmitted to the wheels directly. This means a power of 90 kW and a maximum speed of 170 km/h (about 105 mph) can be achieved. Electric boost for the combustion engine remains active in this situation, in order for driving to be particularly efficient. Brake energy is used for recharging the battery and the start/stop function is not deactivated even on longer drives.

To sum up: TwinDrive combines the short-range electric mobility of electricity with tried-and-tested long-range mobility based on fossil fuels.

Isn't electricity a very expensive form of fuel?

Even with today's electricity prices, driving with electricity is only about half as expensive as with fuel. The objective is to recharge the battery when there is a surplus of electric energy such as at night when low-cost tariffs are available.

How long does it take to recharge the battery from a domestic power outlet? Can the battery also be recharged using heavy current?

Recharging from a normal socket takes about four hours. Quicker recharging at a motive power connection is technically possible and will be feasible in the future.

TwinDrive is a "plug-in" hybrid. What does this mean precisely? What are the advantages of the principle?

The plug-in concept helps to make various energy sources available for mobility. A plug-in hybrid is a motor vehicle with hybrid drive which has a battery that can also be charged from the external power system. In a dedicated hybrid car, on the other hand, the electricity for the electric motor comes from the combustion engine. This means the plug-in hybrid represents a mixture of a dedicated hybrid car and an electric car.

The electric motor in TwinDrive is no longer installed just as a boost for the combustion engine. On the contrary: It is the main drive and the combustion engine is only used for long-distance driving. This reduces overall CO2 emissions.

How long does a battery charge last in TwinDrive? How far can I drive with the electric motor?

The prototype cars have a range of 40 to 50 kilometres (about 25 to 30 miles) with electric drive alone. However, battery development is moving ahead continuously and the technology can be expected to allow significantly longer ranges in coming years.

Doesn't TwinDrive need a really large battery to achieve a long range? Won't I lose storage space?

The battery in TwinDrive weighs only 150 kilograms and scarcely takes up any room. This means it can be installed in the Golf Variant estate car without restricting the storage space.

What type of battery is installed in TwinDrive?

The battery is the greatest challenge facing development of TwinDrive. A good battery needs to hold its energy, be safe, have a long service life and be economical, all at the same time. This is why TwinDrive uses a lithium-ion battery. This technology still has great potential and will be undergoing further development continuously.

When can I buy a TwinDrive?

Assuming battery technology makes the progress that is expected from it, series production of this concept would be conceivable by about 2015.

What is Volkswagen investing in further development of the TwinDrive?

Volkswagen is investing double-digit million sums in the public research program of the fleet trial project. This represents a cooperation between Volkswagen and the battery manufacturers Evonik/LiTec, GAIA and the Fraunhofer company ISIT, the power company E.ON, the University of Münster, the Heidelberg Institute for Energy and Environmental Research IFEU and the German Aerospace Center DLR.