Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Different Type Of Electric Vehicles (EVs): An Introduction
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What Is Regenerative Braking: The Complete Guide For Ireland
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EV Charging Cables: A Guide For Ireland
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How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home: The Complete Guide For Ireland
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The Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid PHEV SUV
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.7
- The all-electric VW ID.Buzz
- The all-electric VW e-up!
- VW Touareg 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
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 47 km. 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 42 km (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 and 10 cents per km i.e. far cheaper compared to calling on the internal combustion engine (ICE). A 42 km 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 90,000 km 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 1.9 l/100 km, 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 0-100 km/h 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 205 km/h. 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.
The PHEV tailpipe emission are low (43g CO2/km), compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| 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 |
Gallery
The Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid PHEV SUV (credit: VW)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Petrol/Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line (from € 51,665) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 13 kWh |
| Charging: | DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 43 – 39 g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 3 years or 90,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | € 2.10 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | € 2.78 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | € 2.87 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | € 3.14 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | € 3.37 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/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): | 1675 |
| Width (mm): | 1839 |
| Length (mm): | 4509 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2678 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.5 |
| Boot capacity (L): | 615 |
| Tiguan 1.4 TSI e-Hybrid R-Line | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 13 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 46 – 47 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/km): | 17.0 – 13.7 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 1.9 |
| Charging: | DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC |
| Top Speed: | 205 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 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: | 6 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Top 5 Jargons
There is no doubt, in that, for those new to electric driving, the terminology can be both daunting and confusing. We have chosen the top 5 jargons to help you get more familiar with electric vehicles (EVs)!
| Top 5 Jargons : Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
|---|---|
| EV (Electric Vehicle) | An EV is any vehicle that uses ‘electricity’ or an ‘electric motor’ to power the vehicle. The electric motor derives its power from a rechargeable battery or batteries. In general, EVs are less dependent on petrol or diesel as fuel, and in the case of pure electric cars, not dependent at all, on petrol/diesel for propulsion. EVs encompass all types of electric vehicles, to include Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Extended Range Electric Vehicles (E-REVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). |
| Regenerative Braking | Driving at all times requires braking. However, on more densely populated roads, the frequency and intensity of braking increases, reducing the efficiency of the vehicle. Regenerative braking is the process of capturing energy, otherwise wasted during braking. According to the rules of physics, energy cannot be destroyed, instead it simply transfers from one state to another. The same principle applies to braking. The kinetic energy that propels a car forward is usually displaced or wasted as heat. Regenerative braking captures this kinetic energy, that in turn recharges an onboard EV battery, increasing both efficiency and electric range. Electric cars like Toyota Prius PHEV, Jaguar I-PACE BEV and Tesla Model 3 BEV use regenerative braking to increase efficiency and electric range. |
| Torque | Torque (Nm) is the measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. Torque is a key factor in determining acceleration of a vehicle and is defined as the engines rotational speed. Torque is most commonly defined as the force required to twist an object. For example, a wrench being used. The heavier a car, the more important is the role of torque i.e. the vehicle needs more rotational force to help it accelerate faster. |
| WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) | In a bid to continue to improve the quality of data released by automotive manufacturers (OEMs), on efficiency, range and CO2 emissions, Europe has introduced the WLTP testing procedure. WLTP is seen as a significant improvement over the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) testing standard designed in the 1980s. In general, WLTP data is more realistic compared to NEDC! WLTP has been developed with the aim of becoming a global standard, so that cars can be easily compared between regions. However, real world driving data will still differ from WLTP data. As an example, the real world electric range of an electric car can be significantly lower than the stated WLTP range, depending on driving style, driving conditions, weather, onboard services used and more! |
| ULEVs (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles) | An ultra low emission vehicle is any vehicle that emits less than 75g of CO2/km and is capable of operating with zero-tailpipe emissions for at least 10 miles. In general, ULEVs release emissions that are at least 50% lower than petrol and diesel cars, by using low carbon technologies. ULEVs include all types of electric vehicles: BEVs, PHEVs, E-REVs etc. and are a key solution in improving air quality. There are currently numerous ULEVs available, to include e-cars, e-vans, e-motorcycles, e-mopeds and e-taxis. Examples include: Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, MINI Countryman PHEV and Renault Kangoo ZE. |
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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