In Europe, Volkswagen offers a couple of plug-in hybrid models such as the Golf GTE. But don't expect any those plug-in hybrids to come to the U.S.

"It's a bridging technology," between internal-combustion and full-electric cars, said Matthew Renna, Volkswagen North America Region's vice president of e-mobility yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show.

"It's very cost-prohibitive to have two different powertrains on one platform."

Volkswagen has made no secret about their electric car ambitions, with plans to launch a full lineup within the next few years. While Europe will get a small hatchback based on I.D. Concept, the U.S. will get a production version of the Crozz concept. Volkswagen is also planning on selling their upcoming EVs in all 50 states, not only in those that require automakers to sell certain number of EVs.

"The plan is to sell nationwide. The goal is a nationwide roll-out ASAP," said Renna.

Source: Roadshow

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Very cool, I know some would like to have the plug-in hybrids but honestly with battery tech moving forward so fast, might as well just go full EV for future product lines.

Interesting, since the wanted to be one of the first major EV players a while back. 

Thinking they might finally go that route....

Golf starts at $21K. Will be real interesting to see where they price a full EV lineup at- we all know what happened when VW tried to go upscale ("phaeton").

VW should sell those PHEVs here in the USA right now.  There is still some demand for them (maybe not a million, but a few thousand).

9 hours ago, riviera74 said:

VW should sell those PHEVs here in the USA right now.  There is still some demand for them (maybe not a million, but a few thousand).

Doubtful it is a few thousand. Sales of Jetta Hybrid were abysmal.

Only EV/PHEV VW had in the U.S. last year was the e-Golf.  Sales volume : 1,354.

Wow, no wonder they're going full electric.  It will be a sales BONANZA! 

4 hours ago, balthazar said:

Sales volume : 1,354.

 

...and the American Automobile Association states that cold weather can cut an EV's range by 40%.  In other news:  WATER IS WET!  Wake up, people!

On 2/10/2019 at 5:08 PM, ocnblu said:

Wow, no wonder they're going full electric.  It will be a sales BONANZA! 

 

...and the American Automobile Association states that cold weather can cut an EV's range by 40%.  In other news:  WATER IS WET!  Wake up, people!

I think you need to quit your job as an estimator and become a street preacher...you have the passion and conviction.

For ICE efficiency there is the rare Dodge/Chevrolet hybrid...

What I don't get is this statement: 

Quote

"It's very cost-prohibitive to have two different powertrains on one platform."

They're already designing and building these for Europe. The money is already spent. If they're going to be built anyway, why not sell them to as wide an audience as possible?