Why Electrify France & The Passat PHEV Are Important News From Volkswagen

We often become captivated by the most recent updates regarding electric supercars manufactured by Ferrari, Rimac, or Alfa Romeo. However, when we consider the broader perspective, these vehicles have a limited impact on propelling the electric vehicle revolution to a significant extent. On the other hand, the latest developments from Volkswagen may lack the appeal, but they hold a greater importance in facilitating the transition towards electric cars.

Fast Charging Now Available For French Drivers

In a move inspired by its Electrify America rapid charging system in the United States, Volkswagen Group is establishing a network of 150 direct current (DC) fast charging stations across France. This initiative serves as a way for Volkswagen to make amends for its fraudulent act concerning diesel emissions. Each charging station will have the capacity to cater to two electric vehicles simultaneously.

Usually, high-speed chargers are placed on main roads. Volkswagen Group is a founding participant of Ionity, a group of prominent European car manufacturers striving to provide high-capacity chargers for their electric vehicle users. The distinctive aspect is that Electrify France will be located at establishments owned by different members of the Group — namely Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, and Škoda — which are situated away from highways and city centers.

Volkswagen Group France recently announced that it is crucial to provide daily access to rapid charging stations for electric vehicle users. This is particularly important as nearly half of the drivers in France lack charging facilities in their residential areas. To address this issue, Electrify France has established charging spots that can be used by the general public at any time throughout the day. With the convenience of these stations, all electric vehicle owners can swiftly charge their cars and gain a driving range of up to 200 km within just 20 minutes or less, whenever the need arises.

According to Xavier Chardon, the head of Volkswagen Group France, the efforts made by VGF in the field of electric vehicles are robust and enable all electric car owners to quickly charge their vehicles anywhere in France. This represents a significant dedication from a highly committed manufacturer!

Luc Chausson, the individual responsible for overseeing the Electrify France initiative, emphasizes, "The inclusion of rapid charging stations within our network serves as a significant indication of our distributors' dedication to revolutionizing their approach to business. They aim to prioritize customer satisfaction by installing top-notch charging stations that are accessible to everyone."

Every charging spot will have at least one 150 kW charger available. The biggest setups will feature a maximum of 12 rapid charging spots. The aim of Electrify France is to provide improved accessibility, especially in regions lacking major highways and located away from cities. In due time, the plan is to extend the network to encompass 700 locations throughout France.

Aside from the recently established rapid charging spots, VGF is also allocating resources towards solar power installations to contribute clean and eco-friendly electricity to the French power network. A portion of this energy will be employed to fuel the upcoming Electrify France charging stations. On June 29, 2023, the Villers-Cotterêts solar facility was inaugurated. Spanning over an area of 15 hectares (equivalent to 37 acres), it represents the fifth largest privately-owned solar park in France and has the capacity to generate 20 MW of maximum power output.

VW Passat Variant: Fuel-Efficient Upgrade!

This week, Volkswagen shared news that is important for those who support electric vehicles. They unveiled the newest edition of the Passat, which will now only be available in Variant format, referred to as a station wagon in America. This marks the ninth iteration of the Passat, constructed on Volkswagen's MQB evo platform.

The upcoming Passat will provide a selection of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines to choose from. Additionally, customers can opt for a 110 kW (147 hp) 48-volt mild hybrid alternative. However, the truly exciting news lies elsewhere. There will be two plug-in hybrid variants available, one with a power of 150 kW (201 hp) and another with a total output of 200 kW (268 hp). Unlike the previous PHEV Passat, these new plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with a 19.6 kWh (net) battery that allows for a battery-only range of up to 100 km (provided the driver remembers to charge them).

The company states in a formal announcement that the latest Passat Variant can now be considered an electric vehicle suitable for daily use due to its impressive range. The charging time has been significantly reduced as the battery can be charged at AC charge points with 11 kW, compared to the previous 3.6 kW. Furthermore, the Passat Variant eHybrid can be charged even faster at DC fast charging stations, with a maximum power of 50 kW. Moreover, thanks to the combination of the electric drive motor and the new efficient turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2), the Passat Variant can achieve overall ranges of approximately 1,000 km.

Do you recall the unforgettable advertisement by Volkswagen featuring two guys embarking on a journey with a Passat TDI car and managing to master the Spanish language before making a pit stop for refueling? It's about time for a reimagining.

Volkswagen is presenting the latest Passat Variant PHEV as a remarkable vehicle for long journeys. "The serene and roomy Passat Variant provides an elevated level of comfort during travels and will have the option of incorporating the new adaptive chassis control known as DCC Pro, as well as the new ergoActive seats that offer a soothing pneumatic pressure point massage function." Additionally, the car boasts a fully digitized dashboard with interconnected technology. A convenient assisted-driving mode is also available, eliminating the strain of covering long distances.

Where's The VW Electric Variant?

What is the reason for putting in so much effort in creating a plug-in hybrid? Instead, why not provide individuals with an electric-powered wagon? In reality, Volkswagen has plans to do exactly that in the future with the unveiling of the ID.7 Tourer. Both the ID.7 sedan and the Tourer will be produced at the Emden plant, which was previously utilized for manufacturing the Passat. The Passat sedan is being discontinued, and production of the Variant will be shifted to a factory in Bratislava.

Kai Grünitz, a board member for technical development at VW Brand, explains that the ninth Passat generation is built upon the advanced modular MQB evo platform. This represents a significant step in evolution, incorporating cutting-edge technology. By benefitting from the economies of scale provided by the MQB evo, Volkswagen has succeeded in bringing a wide range of high-tech advancements to the masses, enabling hundreds of thousands of drivers to enjoy these innovations.

The upcoming Passat Variant is anticipated to be available for purchase in the beginning of 2024. Pricing details have not yet been disclosed.

Why are we enthusiastically talking about a plug-in hybrid? Because it could serve as the connection between traditional vehicles with combustion engines and completely electric models. Our CleanTechnica followers are all passionate about EVs, of course, but there are still many individuals out there who are not quite prepared to switch to driving a vehicle solely powered by batteries.

Give them an experience of automobiles such as these, vehicles that can operate quietly over a distance of 60 miles, vehicles that recharge their batteries through regenerative braking, vehicles that rarely require refueling at a gas station, do not necessitate frequent oil changes, and can even make a single set of brake pads endure for 50,000 miles or beyond.

Allow them to feel the true delight of cruising on electricity without any concerns about locating the subsequent recharge spot. It is highly likely that 98 out of every 100 individuals who have the opportunity to encounter such an experience will opt for an electric vehicle as their next mode of transportation. And this is definitely a positive outcome.

In my opinion, I am very fond of estate cars. It has always been the case. If someone were to inform me that I could only drive a 9th generation Passat Variant PHEV for the remainder of my days, I would consider myself extremely lucky. It possesses an appealing appearance in a modest manner, with meticulously designed features that exude sophistication, strength, and elegance. I truly wish Volkswagen achieves massive sales for this model.

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