eHybrid (e-HYBRID)
Cars carrying the eHybrid (e-HYBRID) designation have a plug-in hybrid electric drive, which means they can use a traditional internal combustion engine, an electric motor or a combination of the two. Hybrid eHybrid (e-HYBRID) cars allow driving solely on electric power.
Volkswagen and SEAT automakers use the term eHybrid and e-HYBRID as brand names for their hybrid vehicles of the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) type. These vehicles feature the ability to combine driving with both a combustion engine and an electric motor. For more information on PHEV drive technology, click here.
The plug-in hybrid technology is primarily used to reduce fuel consumption and the amount of exhaust emissions, especially the closely monitored carbon dioxide (CO2). PHEV vehicles combine a combustion engine with a fully functional electric motor, making them technically more complex and costly to manufacture. In terms of the drivetrain system, they are essentially two cars in one. Nevertheless, manufacturers often choose them as an intermediate step in the transition to electromobility. As a result, more fuel-efficient versions of traditional models, such as the VW Golf eHybrid or VW Touareg eHybrid, are being developed.
Function Principle of eHybrid (e-HYBRID):
A car with eHybrid technology combines two drive systems – the proven TSI combustion engine and a sufficiently powerful traction electric motor, which is integrated into the automatic DSG400E transmission between the combustion engine and the gearbox. The electric motor, with a power of about 85 kW, enables pure electric driving with a range between 50 and 150 kilometers, depending on the eHybrid drive generation and the capacity of the traction battery.
The vehicle normally starts in electric mode, in which it can continue until the battery is depleted. The combustion engine is activated depending on the vehicle’s preset mode (preference for combustion or electric drive) and current power demands. The combustion engine can therefore start automatically in the following cases:
- low battery charge level
- high drive load
- low or excessively high temperatures
- maintenance mode ensuring that drive components remain in good condition
The function of a vehicle with eHybrid technology is similar to standard plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). The driver can choose the preferred drive – electric or combustion engine – and the vehicle maintains it as long as the technical conditions allow. If the battery is depleted or higher power is needed, the system automatically switches to the combustion engine.
Thanks to advanced hybrid drive technology, the vehicle automatically utilizes features such as the start/stop system, coasting mode, predictive adaptive cruise control, and other technologies that help reduce fuel consumption.
What is the difference between vehicles labeled eTSI (e-TSI) and eHybrid (e-HYBRID)?
Volkswagen and SEAT use two levels of hybridization for their vehicles. The base level consists of models with the eTSI label, i.e. mild-hybrid vehicles (MHEV), which cannot drive purely on electricity. The higher level of hybridization is represented by vehicles labeled eHybrid, which, thanks to plug-in hybrid technology (PHEV), allow short distances to be driven purely on electric power without using the combustion engine.
What is the difference between VW vehicles labeled GTE and eHybrid?
When comparing vehicles labeled GTE and eHybrid, we find that both use the same type of drive, i.e. PHEV. The main difference is performance. Volkswagen GTE models are more powerful and sportier plug-in hybrid vehicles that continue the sports tradition of the GTI and GTD models.
Did you know:
A similar technical plug-in hybrid solution like eHybrid is also offered by the sister brand Škoda under the Škoda iV label, or by Audi under the TFSI e brand.
