The Golf Mild Hybrid, also known as “eTSI”, is Volkswagen’s response to the increasing demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. But what exactly is behind this technology and what advantages does it offer for drivers?
Engine bay of a Golf Mild Hybrid car
Unlike a full hybrid, where the electric motor can also drive the vehicle on its own, the mild hybrid in the Golf only supports the combustion engine during acceleration and recuperation. This is done with the help of a small electric motor, which functions as a starter generator and is coupled to the crankshaft of the gasoline engine. The energy for the electric motor is supplied by a separate 48-volt battery.
How the Golf Mild Hybrid Works
But how does it all work in practice? Imagine you are stopped at a red traffic light and the engine of your Golf Mild Hybrid is switched off thanks to the start-stop system. As soon as the traffic light turns green and you press the accelerator pedal, the electric motor starts the gasoline engine gently and silently – almost imperceptibly for you as the driver.
Display showing the mild hybrid system status in a Golf
While driving, the electric motor supports the combustion engine during acceleration, especially from lower engine speeds, ensuring a more dynamic driving experience. When braking and in overrun mode, the electric motor becomes a generator and converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is stored in the 48-volt battery.
This stored energy can then be used to relieve the gasoline engine by, for example, electrically operating auxiliary units such as air conditioning or power steering. “The use of mild hybrid technology in the Golf makes it possible to significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to a conventional gasoline engine without compromising driving dynamics,” explains Dr. Markus Müller, Head of Development for Hybrid Drives at Volkswagen, in an interview.
Advantages of the Golf Mild Hybrid at a Glance
In summary, the Golf Mild Hybrid offers a range of advantages for drivers who value efficiency and environmental friendliness:
- Reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions through recuperation and support of the combustion engine
- Improved responsiveness and more dynamic driving experience thanks to electric support during acceleration
- More comfortable driving thanks to smooth and quiet engine starting thanks to the starter generator
- No restrictions in terms of range or everyday usability compared to a pure combustion engine
Regenerative braking in Golf Mild Hybrid
Are you interested in further technical innovations in the automotive sector? Read also our articles on the VW Golf 8 Variant Facelift or find out about the latest developments in the Volkswagen Golf Variant 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Golf Mild Hybrid
- How high is the fuel consumption of a Golf Mild Hybrid? The exact consumption depends on various factors such as engine, equipment and driving style. As a rule, however, consumption is significantly lower than that of a comparable gasoline engine.
- Can I also charge a Golf Mild Hybrid at a household socket? No, the Golf Mild Hybrid charges the 48-volt battery exclusively while driving via recuperation.
- Which engine variants of the Golf are available as a mild hybrid? Mild hybrid technology is available for various gasoline engines in the Golf.
- How do mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid differ? While the mild hybrid only supports the combustion engine, the full hybrid can also cover short distances purely electrically. The plug-in hybrid has a larger battery and can be charged at the socket, which makes longer purely electric distances possible.
Further information on the various VW Golf 8 Engines can be found on our website.
Do you have further questions about the Golf Mild Hybrid or need technical support for your vehicle? Please do not hesitate to contact us – our car experts are available to help you at any time!
