Order books in Germany are now open for the Volkswagen Passat GTE plug-in hybrid, with prices beginning at €44,250 (about $49,415) for the sedan and €45,250 (about $50,530) for the estate.
Volkswagen uses a 156 PS 1.4 TSI turbocharged direct petrol injection engine and a 85kW/115PS three-phase permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and a 9.9 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery to power the Passat GTE. The combined output is 160kW/218PS with a maximum system torque of 400Nm (295lb-ft). The gearbox is an automatic six-speed DSG with three clutches (dual clutch plus disengagement clutch) that was specially developed for hybrid use.
Thanks to this battery, the Passat GTE can cover a distance of up to 31 miles (50 km) in all-electric mode and thus with zero emissions. The NEDC consumption under 1.6 l/100 km (176.5 mpg UK or 147 mpg US) and 12.2 kWh/100 km, corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 37 g/km. With a full 50-litre fuel tank and fully charged battery, the Passat GTE offers a combined driving range of 1,114 km (692 miles).
The Volkswagen Passat GTE sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). In all-electric mode, top speed is limited to 130 km/h (81 mph).
There are two ways to charge the battery in the Passat GTE via the charging socket in the radiator grille. First: the standard charging cable is plugged into a 230 volt mains electrical socket. The battery is then charged by alternating current (AC) from the mains at a power level of 2.3 kW. From completely flat, it can be fully charged (100 per cent battery charge level) in four hours and 15 minutes. Second: Volkswagen offers an optional wall box for a garage or carport which charges at a power level of 3.6 kW. Using this method, the battery is fully charged after only two hours and 30 minutes. There are also public charging stations that charge electric cars at a level of 3.6 kW.
The Passat GTE also constitutes an integral part of the strategy for electric mobility at Volkswagen. After the XL1, e-up!, e-Golf and Golf GTE, the Passat GTE is the fifth, or sixth model (sedan and estate) that can be operated by electric motor with zero emissions.
