http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/ Engadget Comments for Volkswagen prepping a plug-in "Twin Drive" hybrid for 2010 http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 8:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
better to have an electric vehicle that can become clean (or already is if your area allows you to choose to buy clean power only) then to have a gas car that can not use clean power.]]>Jun 27th 2008 8:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
It's a very dumb way of reasoning which I see way to often on weblogs... THINK before you say something please!]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 9:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
2. Electricity is increasingly being generated by environmentally friendly methods.

3. Any increase in demand in electricity should (if the regulating authorities have their thinking caps on) be met with solar and wind generation facilities.

4. Ethanol/Methanol as a fuel is causing stress on the agriculture sector and is directly responsible for part of the shocking surge in food prices.

What do you suggest instead? That all efforts be concentrated in solving one problem at a time? I doubt that such an approach would be an effective and efficient use of resources.]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
Do a little more research before bashing. I hate how all the electric car hates say, oh, the power is coming from coal plants and thats bad for the environment.

1st off - http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/215184,volkswagen-unveils-hybrid-car-prototype-that-comes-with-plug.html "Volkswagen said it would only use power generated from renewable sources such as sunshine, wind and hydro dams." So shut your mouth.

2nd off- Its been pointed out plenty of times before thats ICE's are pretty inefficient. Coal plants are about 40% efficient while cars are about 15%. that number may vary, but its about right. http://www.electroauto.com/info/pollmyth.shtml]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 9:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
But at least it's economical... -.-]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:55AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/since we are quoting studies...that mining of nickle is a factor (or beryllium, or lithium, or whatever the future holds) but, lets now talk i.c.e. fuel...that 15% efficiency (vs 40% of a coal plant also near sudbury where that nickle comes from) drops down to ]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/drops down to less than 2%

again, why look for problems, try to find solutions.]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
that 2% efficiency is a factor if including the footprint of drilling the oil, shipping it, refining it, transporting it, and the many litlle and some big spills that happen along the way. google it, it's a real study, honest...]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
They should mount some sort of device to the stars, that somehow captures the energy expended in their reciprocating movements. I mean, cripes! -That Jenna Jameson's like a human pogo stick!!!


-Otherwise, the people arguing for the plusses of COAL are tools. -There Is NO such thing as clean coal. Anyone who's been anywhere near a smokestack of any kind can tell you the scrubbers never operate well, despite the quasi-fraudulent certificate of functionality the kickbacked-inspectors routinely slap on them.

yeahyeahyeah, CO2-whatever, but Coal Pollutes in MANY other ways other than this vaporous tradeoff you're concocting of ICE vs. coal-powered electrics.

Solar and Wind are much better ideas.]]>Jun 27th 2008 1:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 3:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 8:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
And since you can take your time charging the battery (8 hours or more, if you sleep), you won't be putting much of a strain on the power grid, if the charging system is properly designed. And you can charge at home, instead of having to drive to a gas station to refuel. Think about that the next time you're waiting in line on a Friday afternoon.

Now if we can get rid of the ICE when we're sure we don't need it (maybe mount it on a small trailer or something), we'll see even greater efficiency, and that space can be used for a larger battery pack, or just increased range through weight savings.]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 9:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/but i think you meant to post below.]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
The company is to build 20 of the test cars, which are planned to have an electric-only range of 50 kilometres before the internal-combustion engine must be started up.

Looks to me like the test cars are 2010, and the production starts in 2012, just in time for the end of the world.]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
"Volkswagen said it would only use power generated from renewable sources such as sunshine, wind and hydro dams." So shut your mouth.

How are they going to do that? A sort of electrical DRM? Will it only connect to electrical sockets that are supplied by nuclear power or those daft windmills?]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
Exactly how I dont know. I do know that such a thing exists though. Ive heard of people who have made homemade ev's ordering only renewable energy from their power companys (at an increase of price). Tried doing a quick google search and i found a company in UK that offers 100% renewable power (http://www.good-energy.co.uk/).

Also, if your going to bring up the mining required for for the nickle and what not, why not include platinum mining up (for catalytic converters). ill let you do a google search on that cause im in a rush. Just looking up "platinum mining pollution" and see what you get. ]]>Jun 27th 2008 12:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 1:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
You still haven't told me what will stop me (and everyone who buys this) plugging it straight into a coal fired power station.

How exactly does a catalytic converter also being apparently self defeating make this any less of a daft idea that will harm the environment. Of course I'm going to count ALL emissions and not live in some feel good coko land.]]>Jun 27th 2008 4:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 28th 2008 8:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/]]>Jun 27th 2008 8:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 10:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 8:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
I hope that's not the case because I would love one of these. Especially if it WAS a diesel.

Hopefully, by 2010 efforts here in the US to boost production and availability of biodiesel will drive the price for it down enough to make this a worthy option for auto-buyers and maybe VWOA will consider this an option.

I would like to see the new Tiguan have this Twin Drive drivetrain too.]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/ I hope that's not the case because I would love one of these. Especially if it WAS a diesel.

Hells yes. But then they could give us diesel Polos next year if they wanted to, but that won't happen. I'm not so sure a regular diesel car is even worth it anymore, given the price premium of both the car and fuel. Just for kicks I looked at the price of a gallon of cooking oil at a local (expensive-ish) grocery store. About $8. Only $3 more to go until it's cheaper to fill up your diesel car at Safeway. Probably less at Sam's Club
or Costco.
]]>Jun 27th 2008 4:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
i'm already hitting ebay looking for CRX HFs. that's 50mph on a 20year old car]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 9:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
the mpg on this thing must be somewhere north of 50mpg. lets not forget the diesel engine is only to recharge the electric battery]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
According to the original article, there will be a test fleet of 20 vehicles in 2010. There are no plans for production yet.

]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/if this really is a series diesel electric hybrid then you are right, it should be north of 50mpg...after that initial 31 miles of all electric runs out. not too shabby (but still too low if it really hits $7.50/gal by the time this is released like i heard this morning on the radio).]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 4:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 9:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 10:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 10:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 11:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
1. Now there are twice as many reasons for your VW to leave you stranded on the side of the road; or, in the alternative;
2. At least it has a backup power plant in there when one of them tries to leave you stranded.

I've owned 3 VW's since 2000 (Jetta & 2 Passats), all of them had electrical problems, engine problems, rubber rot, random mechanical failures, door handles falling off, etc. They were a blast to drive but a nightmare to keep on the road. I've heard the new Jetta has been much improved, but VW has still left a sour taste in my mouth. Combine that with horrible dealers (brought in a car for an oil change and they got into an accident with my car) and I'm staying away.

I'm all for new technology to help with fuel economy, but I just don't trust VW to implement it well.]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 9:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
i'd rather walk than own another one]]>Jun 27th 2008 12:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 10:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
Let's hope diesel doesn't get that high.
i seriously can't stomach a 200 dollar fill up :-(

i cry when i have to pay 90 bucks to fill up my audi (and it's a V6!) and because i live a solid 15 miles from my office, it's about a weekly, week and a half thing.]]>Jun 27th 2008 9:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/anyway...i'm canadian, i'll just bend over and take it like the rest of us do...]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 10:11AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
As far as technology goes, this is a good step to the right direction, however when the Volt comes out that is the car I will by.

Trains have been battery powered using deseil combustion engines as generators since they made to move from steam. I think we all agree that trains pull quite a heavy load so there is no reason this technology couldn't be used to make a more efficient SUV, Airplanes, and/or Cars.

I'm paying over $400 a month in gas, at this point all I want is a more cost effective solution and my biggest wish is they were on the market today vs another 2 years from now.]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 10:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
Again, not an environmentalist just a capitalist, think it through and you will see the price advantages of this.]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/Jun 27th 2008 11:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/volkswagen-prepping-a-plug-in-twin-drive-hybrid-for-2010/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Prius#Lifetime_energy_cost

It's ridiculous people believe these blatant slanted hit job stories.]]>Jun 27th 2008 12:32PM