VW Passat goes electric

By Gerry Murphy

Volkswagen’s latest model to bear the GTE name has gone on sale on the Irish market.

The Passat GTE is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine delivering 155 PS and an electric motor producing 115 PS. The two power units pool their resources to generate system output of 218 PS. The combination of turbocharged direct-injection engine (TSI) working in tandem with an electric motor, gives owners the best of both worlds, with the potential to drive short journeys on electric power alone, yet with the freedom to travel longer distances as a hybrid.

The lithium-ion battery that provides the e-motor with electricity is charged as the car drives along, including via regenerative braking. The charging process can, however, also be carried out at home via a charging cable connected to a mains socket.

In all-electric mode the Passat GTE can drive up to 50 kilometres completely emission-free. With the 50-litre tank full of fuel and the battery fully charged the range is more than 1,100 kilometres. The GTE’s main distinguishing features externally are its C-shaped LED daytime running lights and a blue bar across the radiator grille that extends into the headlights. There are special GTE features inside also, such as an instrument cluster with power meter and an infotainment system with a menu matrix for functions and displays specific to each drive system.

Many of the Passat GTE’s functions can optionally be controlled and monitored via smartphone using the ‘Car-Net e-Remote’ app. These include charging the battery, activating the air-conditioning functions or seeing where the car was last parked. The prices for the Passat GTE start at €41,450 for the saloon and €43,715 for the estate and this includes an SEAI grant and VRT rebate.