Overview
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.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles.
The automotive company currently has a number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on sale, to include:
- The all-electric VW ID.3
- The all-electric VW ID.4
- The all-electric VW ID.4 GTX
- The all-electric VW ID.5
- The all-electric VW ID.5 GTX
- The all-electric VW ID.7
- The all-electric VW e-up!
- VW Touareg R Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate
- VW Golf 8 Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Tiguan eHybrid
Electric Cars: The Basics
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 GTE PHEV Estate
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 37 miles certified WLTP range. Though the real-world EV range will be lower, possibly closer to 32 miles (zero-emission), the EV still has much to offer those keen to save money by driving on pure electric mode. Depending on the cost of charging, driving an electric car will cost between 5 pence and 10 pence per mile i.e. far cheaper compared to calling on the internal combustion engine (ICE).
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 37 miles, most of us would not require much more for our daily needs. In fact, in the UK, the majority of motorists drive at an average 30 miles 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 235.4 mpg. Real-world economy will certainly be lower, but substantially better compared to the conventional internal combustion (ICE) variant (42.8 mpg).
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 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds. The top speed of the EV is 138 mph. 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.
Due to its lower tailpipe emissions (28g CO2/km), company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-12%) tax rate. The EV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
| 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 |
Gallery
The Volkswagen Passat Estate PHEV (credit: VW)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | Estate |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Petrol/Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Volkswagen Passat Estate GTE (from £42,340) |
| Volkswagen Passat Estate GTE Advance (from £45,030) |
| 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) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 3 years or 60,000 miles |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | £1.27 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | £1.67 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | £1.73 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | £1.89 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | £2.03 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| 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) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1469 |
| Width (mm): | 1832 |
| Length (mm): | 4773 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2789 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.7 |
| Boot Space (L): | 483 |
| Passat Estate GTE | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 13 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 37 miles |
| Fuel Consumption (mpg): | 235.4 |
| 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: | 138 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 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 |
| Passat Estate GTE Advance | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 13 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 36 miles |
| Fuel Consumption (mpg): | 235.4 |
| EV Operation Efficiency (Wh/km): | 153.58 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC (0% – 100% SOC: 3 hrs 40 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 138 mph |
| 0-62 mph: | 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 |
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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