The Volkswagen Touareg R Plug-In Hybrid SUV: 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:

For those keen on an overview of the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market and the benefits of zero-emission electric driving, simply scroll down to the end of the article!

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The Volkswagen Touareg R PHEV SUV

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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 VW EVs include:

• The all-electric ID.3
• The all-electric ID.4
• The all-electric ID.4 GTX
• The all-electric e-up!
• Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Saloon
• Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate
• Touareg R Plug-In Hybrid
• Golf Plug-In Hybrid

The Volkswagen Touareg SUV (4X4) was introduced in 2002. The vehicle has been named after the nomadic people from northern Africa, the Tuareg people. The Touareg shares its platform with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7 SUVs. The Touareg R plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was revealed in early 2020.

The Volkswagen Touareg plug-in electric SUV has a 14.3 kWh onboard EV battery, with a claimed zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 31 miles (WLTP certified). Not hugely impressive, but typical of many PHEVs in this segment. Of course, the real-world pure electric range will be lower, and possibly closer to 25 miles. The real-world EV range is impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, passenger load, weather, road condition, wheel size, etc.

An electric range of 25 miles may not seem much, but given that the majority of motorists drive 30 miles per day, the electric range is sufficient to help lower driving costs per mile. The use of the electric mode also helps improve the overall efficiency of the electric vehicle. VW claims a fuel economy up to 122.8 mpg. Of course, real-world fuel economy will be lower than the claimed figures, but the fuel economy of the PHEV will be far better, compared to the conventional combustion engine variant (34 mpg).

To leverage the benefits of electric driving, having a fully charged EV battery is imperative. The PHEV is not compatible with DC charging (not all plug-in electric cars are capable of DC rapid charging). In all probability, on most occasions, the EV will be charged overnight at home. We at e-zoomed recommend the use of a dedicated EV charger for home charging. The single-phase easee EV charger is a good example. The PHEV can be charged up to 100% in 5 hours and 10 minutes (3.6 kW). Charging at 7.2 kW will take 2 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge the EV.

We recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way, the e-mode can be used more often and regular charging is also better for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. Volkswagen offers a warranty up to 3 years or 60,000 miles.

The four-wheel drive VW plug-in pairs a 3.0-litre TSI eHybrid petrol engine with an electric motor (100 kW). The electric vehicle delivers a maximum combined 462 PS and 700 Nm torque. The electric SUV can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Pretty good, given the weight of the EV (2,468 kgs). The top speed of the EV is 155 mph. The EV benefits from instant torque, as is the case with electric cars.

The EV offers as standard a host of features and equipment, to include: lane assist, multifunction front facing camera, park assist, driver alert system, fatigue detection, digital cockpit – 12″ high resolution, electrically-operated tailgate, keyless access and more. The EV is practical and spacious for passengers. Despite the addition of the onboard EV battery, the available cargo volume is 665 L.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 52g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional petrol variant. The Volkswagen plug-in hybrid is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
A practical and spacious family SUV that is environment-friendly	Electric range is limited
Cheap to run on zero-emission electric range	Not a Porsche Cayenne (some interior materials feel cheap)
An enhanced exterior styling	A seven-seat option not available

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The Volkswagen Touareg R PHEV SUV (credit: VW)

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Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is cheaper than driving a petrol or diesel vehicle. As an example, in India, filling a full tank of fuel for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Tata Nexon SUV will cost up to Rs 5,000 (assuming an average cost per litre of Rs 100. The Tata Nexon has a fuel tank capacity of 44 L).

In comparison, the Tata Nexon Pure Electric SUV will cost less than Rs 300 for a full EV battery charge (EV Battery size: 30.2 kWh). In India, the average cost for residential electricity is between Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kWh(unit). Therefore the cost to drive per km (or mile) in a pure electric vehicle is substantially lower than a petrol or diesel vehicle.

At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

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

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Trim (1 Option)
Touareg R

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 14.3 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC (0% to 100%: 5 hrs 10 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	52g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	3 years or 60,000 miles

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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):	1686
Width (mm):	1984
Length (mm):	4878
Wheelbase (mm):	2899
Turning Circle (m):	12.19
Boot Space (L):	665

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Touareg 3.0 TSI eHybrid
EV Battery Capacity:	14.3 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	31 miles
Fuel Consumption (mpg):	122.8 (combined)
EV Operation Efficiency (Wh/km):	246.78
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC (0% to 100%: 5 hrs 10 mins)
Top Speed:	155 mph
0-62 mph:	5.1 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	100
Max Power (PS):	462
Torque (Nm):	700
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,468
Colours:	9
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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Benefits Of Electric Driving

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The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:

• Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Lower taxes
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower noise pollution
• Convenience of charging at home
• Smoother drive
• Instant torque for acceleration
• Lower environmental impact

Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.

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Improved Air Quality

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.

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Lower Maintenance & Running Costs

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!

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Lower Noise Pollution

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Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!

Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians. As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!

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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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