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GOLF SPORTWAGEN HYMOTION MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT AT THE
2014 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Volkswagen transfers fuel cell technology to high-volume production: Golf is the first
car to offer all forms of currently available powertrains
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Golf SportWagen HyMotion is first fuel cell vehicle based on the Modular
Transverse Matrix (MQB)
Concept car showcases versatility of the MQB architecture
Estimated range of 310 miles of zero-emissions driving
All drive components are VW developments; electric motor and transmission
shared with e-Golf
Fuel cell was developed at VW’s Technology Center for Electric Traction
Total system power of 136 PS, 0 to 62 mph in estimated 10.0 seconds
Wolfsburg/Los Angeles — At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen is presenting the
world premiere of the Golf SportWagen HyMotion—a research vehicle with a fuel cell
powertrain. For this particular power source of the future, hydrogen and oxygen are
combined in the fuel cell to form pure water. Energy is released in this “cold combustion”
process, energy that is used to power a zero emissions electric motor.
The front-wheel-drive Golf SportWagen HyMotion accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h)
in 10.0 seconds. The hydrogen is stored safely in four high-tech carbonfiber tanks, which are
located in the underbody, where they do not impede on interior space. Their fuel capacity
enables a driving range of 310 miles (500 km), and they can be refilled in about three
minutes. Unlike many of its competitors, Volkswagen is following the strategy of placing
alternative drivetrains in high-volume production vehicles. Just like the all-electric e-Golf and
the plug-in hybrid Golf GTE, the SportWagen HyMotion shows how fuel cells could be
integrated into a well-engineered, usable, and attractively priced vehicle.
Several research vehicles have been built based on the U.S. version of the Passat, using the
same drive components as fitted in the Golf SportWagen HyMotion. The fleet of Passat
HyMotion vehicles is currently being tested on the streets of California.
Drive components
The key drive components of the Golf SportWagen HyMotion were developed by Volkswagen
Group Research in Germany. The fuel cell system conceptualized at the Volkswagen
Technology Center for Electric Traction has a system power of 100 kW or 136 PS. In
addition, the concept car has a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which stores the kinetic
energy recovered from regenerative braking, assists in the starting phase of the fuel cell and
adds a dynamic boost to the maximum acceleration of the Golf Spor tWagen. The fuel cell
and battery power an electric motor that has been adapted from the e-Golf.
The mechanical underpinnings for this innovative
Matrix (MQB) that was developed by Volkswagen
to use of the MQB, the current Golf and the new
become the world's first vehicle model series that
car are based on the Modular Transverse
and is used throughout the Group. Thanks
Golf SportWagen have advanced to
can host all conceivable drive types.
Today, the Golf is already offered with gasoline engines (TSI ®), diesel engines (TDI®), an
electric drive (e-Golf) and, in some markets outside the U.S., natural gas and plug-in hybrid
drivetrains. No other car offers such a variety of drive types. Volkswagen is showing the Golf
SportWagen HyMotion to demonstrate for the first time how a hydrogen fuel cell could be
implemented in an MQB-based vehicle. Before the market launch, a hydrogen infrastructure
would have to be created: not only a broad network of hydrogen fuel stations, but also the
production of the hydrogen itself. Hydrogen only makes sense as a fuel if the primary energy
used to produce it comes from renewable sources.
Volkswagen has integrated the drive components of the Golf SportWagen HyMotion in the
front of the car. The battery is housed above the rear suspension, and the tanks are mounted
in the vehicle floor. Thus, the interior of the Golf SportWagen HyMotion offers the same
amount of space as in all other versions of the model. This optimal space utilization was
possible because provisions were included for all technically feasible drive trains and body
versions in the planning of the MQB architecture.
In the Golf SportWagen HyMotion, the components from high-volume production vehicles
were merged with entirely new engineering. As noted, the electric motor was adapted from
the new e-Golf, and the motor and coaxial two-stage 1-speed transmission are located at
the front of the engine compartment; both components were developed by Volkswagen. Also
arranged in the engine compartment are the stacks of the hydrogen fuel cell ; the cooling
system; a tri-port converter that regulates the voltage between the electric motor, the fuel cell
and the lithium-ion battery; and the turbo compressor. The latter ensures that oxygen from
the surrounding air flows into the fuel cell.
The power electronics are located in the center tunnel area; they convert the direct current
(DC) into three-phase alternating current (AC) which is used to drive the motor. The power
electronics also integrate a DC/DC converter, which converts energy from the high -voltage
battery to 12 volts to supply the 12-volt electrical system.
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery is mounted close to the trunk and rear suspension. The
12-volt battery is also mounted at the rear. Two of the total of four carbonfiber composite
hydrogen tanks are housed compactly under the rear seat and the other two in the luggage
compartment floor. The hydrogen is stored in the tanks at a pressure of 700 bar (10,150
psi). As in all other Volkswagen vehicles, the tank filler neck is located on the right side at
the back of the car.
The lithium-ion battery is the second powerplant in the vehicle, and it pl ays an important role
in the drive system. As mentioned, it stores the energy recovered during regenerative braking.
It is also an important component in all phases during which the chemical reaction needs to
be initiated by feeding oxygen and hydrogen to the fuel cell (the latter via the turbo
compressor), such as when driving off from a start. At this point in time, the fuel cell has not
built up enough electrical power to drive the motor by itself. In these phases, the lithium -ion
battery jumps into action and supplies energy to the electric motor. The high-voltage battery
also operates like a turbocharger during fast acceleration and while accelerating to top
speed. In what is referred to as boosting, the fuel cell and battery work in an alliance to
supply overall system power of 100 kW or 136 PS.
Functional principle of the fuel cell
Volkswagen Group Research is utilizing the company's fourth-generation fuel cell in the Golf
SportWagen HyMotion Concept—and simultaneously in a research vehicle based on the U.S.
Passat. Group brand Audi is also presenting the same fuel cell at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show
in an A7. All three fuel cells are based on the LT PEM fuel cell stack developed in Germany. LT
stands for the type of fuel cell: Low Temperature. PEM stands for Proton Exchange Membrane. The
key element of each individual fuel cell—many of which are combined to form a stack—is the
proton-conducting membrane (PEM). Each membrane is located between an anode and a cathode
in the fuel cell. Hydrogen flows into the cell at the anode end and oxygen at the cathode end. The
hydrogen and oxygen react and combine to form water at the cathode end. Energy is released in
this process.
At the anode, the hydrogen is split into electrons and protons. The positively cha rged protons
"migrate" through the membrane to the cathode. The negatively charged electrons flow to the
cathode via the external electrical circuit. This flow of current supplies electrical energy . At
the cathode, the protons react with the inflowing oxygen and the electrons to produce
"process water", most of which escapes via the exhaust system. Around 60 percent of the
energy input in the form of hydrogen is converted to electricity. The fuel cell converts the
chemical energy of an oxidation process called “cold combustion” directly into electrical
energy. The "exhaust gas" is nothing other than clean water vapor.
Technology Center for Electric Traction
Since the 1990s, Volkswagen has been researching the potential of hydrogen fuel cells and
transferring this drive technology to production cars. At the end of the past decade
Volkswagen decided to build a dedicated Technology Center for Electric Traction near its
headquarters in Wolfsburg, to further advance its capabilities in fuel cell development. The
Isenbüttel site was chosen for this center and construction of a special research center for
electric drivetrains began in 2001. The infrastructure of the technology center includes a
dedicated hydrogen fuel station. Volkswagen produces the hydrogen for the pressure tank
station from renewable solar-generated electricity. A photovoltaic array was installed at the
site for this purpose.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of
America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen
AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include
research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales,
marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the-art manufacturing
facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest
producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle
Convertible, CC, Eos, e-Golf, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, and
Touareg vehicles through approximately 649 independent U.S. dealers.
Notes:
This press release and images of the Golf SportWagen HyMotion Concept are available at
media.vw.com. Follow us @VWNews
“TDI”, “TSI”, “VW”, “Volkswagen, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered
trademarks of Volkswagen AG.