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 Tiguan eHybrid PHEV SUV
The Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV was introduced in 2007. The Tiguan is now in its second generation and is based on the Volkswagen MQB platform.
The Tiguan has been recognised as a best-selling SUV in Europe, with more than six million sold globally. The compact crossover SUV is the most successful Volkswagen model-to-date. As of 2021, this popular family SUV is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The VW Tiguan plug-in hybrid SUV has a 13.0 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP certified electric range up to 30 miles. Both the EV battery size and the claimed emission-free electric range, are typical of other PHEVs in this segment.
Though the real-world EV range will be lower, possibly closer to 25 miles (emission-free), the EV still has much to offer those keen to save money by driving on 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). A 25 miles EV range can be leveraged for city driving and shorter motorway trips.
Taking advantage of the EV range will also require inculcating a habit of charging the EV on a regular basis, which again is as easy as charging a smartphone. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug for charging an electric car.
A ‘topping up’ approach to charging will help improve the overall efficiency of the electric vehicle (more e-range readily available to use) and also improve the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Volkswagen offers a 3 years or 60,000 miles warranty. The PHEV has a 3.6 kW onboard charger and can be fully charged in 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Of course, driving regularly on the electric mode will further improve the fuel economy of the electric vehicle i.e. lower motoring costs. The automotive manufacturer claims a fuel economy up to 166.2 mpg, but achieving anything close to this, will require taking advantage of the e-mode! In any case, the PHEV will deliver a better fuel economy, compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant.
The Tiguan ehybrid SUV delivers decent performance. The electric vehicle (EV) combines a 1.4-litre (four-cylinder) TSI ehybrid petrol engine with an onboard electric motor (85 kW), powered by the EV battery. Despite the additional weight of the EV battery, the Tiguan SUV PHEV can achieve 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds.
This performance is not shabby! The Volkswagen plug-in electric car delivers 245 PS maximum power and 400 Nm torque. Top speed is 127 mph. Of course, on e-mode, the drive is more refined and quieter.
The interior cabin is spacious and practical, though the boot space is compromised due to the placement of the onboard EV battery (476 L), but remains useful! The EV offers a host of features and technology, to include: IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights, front assist, travel assist, proactive occupant protection system, ambient lighting (30 colours), digital cockpit pro – 10.25″, keyless entry, rear view camera system, lane keeping system, lane assist and more.
Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-12%) tax rate for the PHEV, given the lower tailpipe emission of the PHEV (43g CO2/km). 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 and spacious family SUV | Only available as a front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Cheap to run on zero-emission electric range | Reduced boot space |
Comfortable drive | Charges only up to 3.6 kW AC |
The Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid PHEV SUV (credit: VW)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
Engine: | Petrol/Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
---|
Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid Elegance (from £39,640) |
Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid R-Line (from £40,075) |
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%: 3 hrs 40 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 43 – 38g (CO2/km) |
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): | 1681 |
Width (mm): | 1839 |
Length (mm): | 4509 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2680 |
Turning Circle (m): | 11.5 |
Boot capacity (L): | 476 |
Tiguan 1.4 TSI e-Hybrid | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 13.0 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 30 miles |
Fuel Consumption (mpg): | 166.2 |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/62mi): | 16.8 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC (0%-100%: 3 hrs 40 mins) |
Top Speed: | 127 mph |
0-62 mph: | 7.5 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 85 |
Max Power (PS): | 245 (system) |
Torque (Nm): | 400 (system) |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,819 |
Colours: | 8 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
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