The Volkswagen Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Volkswagen Passat Estate PHEV

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Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years. The portfolio of VW EVs include:

• All-electric VW ID.3
• All-electric VW ID.4
• All-electric VW ID.4 GTX
• All-electric VW ID.5
• All-electric VW ID.5 GTX
• All-electric VW ID.7
• All-electric VW ID.Buzz
• All-electric VW e-up!
• VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Saloon
• VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate
• VW Touareg R Plug-In Hybrid
• VW Golf Plug-In Hybrid

The Volkswagen Passat (B8) was introduced in 2014. The B8 is the eight-generation in the VW Passat series, and it was the first VW passenger car to be based on the stretched version of the MQB platform. The GTE plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and was on sale in 2015. The PHEV received a facelift in 2018.

Looking for a spacious estate family car, with a track record for reliability and low running costs? Well, the VW Passat GTE estate plug-in electric car is certainly an option worth considering. Despite the increased availability of family electric cars over the past three years, the introduction of estate electric cars has been relatively limited, for both the premium and non-premium badges.

The VW plug-in electric car has a 13 kWh onboard EV battery with a 62 km certified WLTP range. Though the real-world EV range will be lower, possibly closer to 55 km (zero-emission), the EV still has much to offer those keen to save money by driving on pure electric mode.

The PHEV is not DC charging compatible (most PHEVs are not) and has a 3.6 kW onboard charger. Quite typical for a PHEV in this segment. We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging and encourage charging via a dedicated home EV charger. The Volkswagen PHEV can be fully charged in 3 hours and 40 minutes. Those still adamant to use a domestic 3-PIN plug, will have to wait 5 hours for a full charge!

Though the electric range is limited to 62 km, most of us would not require much more for our daily needs. In fact, the majority of motorists drive at an average 50 km per day. So for all the shorter commutes to the school, high street, grocery store etc, driving on e-mode is a perfect fit!

Even, for many that drive to work, driving on electric mode works well, as the electric car can be charged at home and at work (workplace EV charging)! For those weekend getaways, the petrol engine can be utilised for the longer drives.

Bottom-line, if you are not driving electric, you are not saving money. Moreover, driving in e-mode also further improves the efficiency of the vehicle. Volkswagen claims the PHEV has a fuel economy up to 1.1 l/100km. Real-world economy will certainly be lower, but substantially better compared to the conventional internal combustion (ICE) variant.

In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive Volkswagen Passat PHEV delivers a decent experience. The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine (6-speed) is paired with an electric motor (85 kW). The plug-in electric car can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. The top speed of the EV is 220 km/h. The EV delivers 218 PS and 250 Nm torque. Certainly suitable for city and motorway driving. Of course, do keep in mind that the EV also benefits from instant torque.

Though the boot space has been reduced in size to accommodate the onboard EV battery, the PHEV is family-friendly in terms of practicality, offering adequate interior space, legroom, headroom (front and rear seat passengers) and cargo volume (483 L).

The EV has a good level of equipment and depending on the trim, the following come as standard: adaptive cruise control, driver alert system, fatigue detection, lane assist, traffic jam assist, emergency assist, voice activation, keyless start/stop, “Discover Media” navigation system, LED headlights, alloy wheels and more.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 28g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional petrol variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The VW plug-in electric car is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
A practical family estate car that is environment-friendly	Exterior styling will not inspire
Cheap to run on zero-emission electric range and low tailpipe emission (28g CO2/km)	Performance will not set the heart racing
Pleasant to drive	Boot space limited due to EV battery

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The Volkswagen Passat Estate PHEV (credit: VW)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	Estate
Engine:	Petrol/Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
VW Passat Estate GTE (Rs N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 13 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100% SOC: 3 hrs 40 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	28g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	3 years or 90,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1469
Width (mm):	1832
Length (mm):	4773
Wheelbase (mm):	2789
Turning Circle (m):	11.7
Boot Space (L):	650

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Passat Estate GTE
EV Battery Capacity:	13 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	62 km
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.1
EV Operation Efficiency (Wh/km):	151.33
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100% SOC: 3 hrs 40 mins)
Top Speed:	220 km/h
0-100 km/h:	7.6 seconds
Drive:	Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Max Power (PS):	218
Torque (Nm):	250
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	1,754
Colours:	6
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India.

Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality. Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution.

India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk).

In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car. International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine. With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety!

Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres. No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV. Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station).

In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars. MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV.

Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure. The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe. It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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