VW's high hopes for new energy

In 2016 Volkswagen Group China and its Chinese joint ventures will begin local production of two plug-in hybrid models, the Audi A6 e-tron and a mid-size limousine.

The moves are expected to mark just the beginning of Volkswagen's e-revolution, as Heizmann told China Daily that in the next few years the Volkswagen Lamando, Magotan, Passat, Phaeton, Touareg and the Audi A8 and Q7 were candidates for the Chinese plug-in hybrid market.

"Our mission is to offer each of our Chinese customers the right product for their growing desire for individual mobility, and help the Chinese government to achieve its green target set for 2020," said Heizmann. "So, we must offer the best products and best technologies."

The group's modular toolkit is the biggest milestone in its electric strategy as it guarantees high flexibility in modifying any model with new energy vehicle technology.

"Integrating electric drive technology into the modular assembly kit strategy, particularly into the modular transverse kit MQB, has been an essential step for Volkswagen that also provides a decisive competitive advantage," said Heinz-Jakob Neusser, a member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen for Development.

"I also strongly believe that in the mid-term the plug-in hybrid is the number one choice when it comes to alternative drive system," he added.

In cooperation with municipal governments Volkswagen also wants to foster the development of the Chinese charging infrastructure, particularly through the Sino-German charging project.

"We cannot allow the electric car to be a compromise on wheels," said Heinzmann. "It has to be perfect in every way - technically mature, practical, safe and affordable to all our customers."

He said that the company was cooperating with dealerships to ensure home charging solutions for customers of new energy vehicles in the near future.

Volkswagen is installing charging facilities at its offices and factories around the nation for its employees. "If more employers can make similar efforts, it will greatly help promote the development of charging infrastructure," Heinzmann said.

Pilot models

The electric up! marks the introduction of a next generation of electric vehicles. With a top speed of 130 km/h, its range is 160 km and it can accelerate to a speed of 100 km/h in 12.4 seconds.

The electric up! blows away prejudiced views about the performance of electric cars and uses just 11.7kWh of energy to drive 100km, setting new standard of efficiency, according to the company.

Volkswagen has developed a range of features and design elements specifically for the electric up!

The e-Golf electric car offers everyday practicality like every other Golf. The car has a top speed of 140 km/h and a range of up to 190 km.

Three intuitive driving modes and four easy-to-activate levels of regenerative braking help drivers get the maximum range out of each charge. Despite its environmentally friendly aspects, the e-Golf delivers sporty performance, according to the automaker.

The new Golf GTE combines electric mobility with the dynamics of the sporty GTI. The Golf GTE can be driven up to 50 km in all-electric mode and up to 939 km in hybrid mode.

With a top speed of 217 km/h, the Golf GTE accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds.

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