Flexible for work and leisure: VW Multivan eHybrid 4 Motion - cool head while camping

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is electrifying the Multivan and California as plug-in hybrids with all-wheel drive. This means you won't get stuck on sandy roads or break a sweat: Battery energy cools the interior.

A beautiful summer day on the North Sea beach. But when the camper van has been standing in the sun the whole time, it's almost impossible to sleep at night. The VW Multivan and California have their own power for air conditioning, even if there's no power outlet nearby. Of course, the reverse also applies to keeping the interior warm when it's bitterly cold outside.

The 19.7 kWh battery in both plug-in hybrid variants primarily supports driving, but is also practical when stationary. With the electrified drive variant, the manufacturer is expanding its offering for people who spend a lot of time outdoors and even stay overnight.

"Bulli" turns 75

This year, the "Bulli," as the VW bus is colloquially known, celebrates its 75th anniversary. Originally intended as a transporter for people and materials, subsequent versions have become a temporary home on wheels for many.

The Multivan is the Group's first vehicle to use the modular transverse matrix (MQB) for hybrid technology with all-wheel drive. The MQB allows the 96 battery cell modules and the fuel tank to be housed in the vehicle floor. This keeps the interior floor flat. The continuous rail system allows for flexible layout.

With a table and facing rows of seats, the Multivan can be used as a mobile office. If you want to transport larger items like furniture or a washing machine, you can remove individual seats until you have enough space. If you're spending the night in the Multivan, a sleeping area folds over the folded seats. The California versions, with their retractable folding roof, are completely designed for the needs of camping enthusiasts.

Choice between hybrid or purely electric

In the eHybrid 4 Motion version of both vehicles, a 1.5-liter TSI evo 2 gasoline engine with 130 kW/177 hp is located at the front. This is complemented by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with 85 kW/110 hp. The driver can choose between hybrid or all-electric driving. The menu also allows for "saving" the electric power for the destination. Around 95 kilometers (59 miles) can be driven purely electrically.

Switching to S mode activates the rear electric drive with 100 kW/136 hp. This gives the Multivan and California all-wheel drive. This can make all the difference on sandy beach paths, frozen roads, or muddy meadows after a rainy festival. Since there is no physical connection between the front and rear motors, two power electronics modules regulate power distribution to the four wheels.

All-wheel drive even when the battery is empty

Together, the engines accelerate the 2.2-ton Multivan from a standstill to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. The all-wheel drive with an electric rear axle operates up to 130 km/h. Beyond that, only the hybrid engine in the front operates. The Multivan can travel up to 200 km/h.

Since all-wheel drive is especially important when starting off and driving off-road, it works even with a dead battery. In this case, the combustion engine acts as a generator. The electrical energy is transferred directly to the rear axle.

Fast charging with CCS plugs also possible

The battery draws energy from each braking action (regeneration) and is also charged externally via a plug-in charging connector. A special feature is that fast charging is also possible with CCS connectors. Those driving longer distances electrically can stop at so-called High Power Chargers (HPC) along the highway and recharge with up to 50 kW of direct current.

In 26 minutes, the battery capacity is charged from 10 to 80 percent. During charging breaks, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is expanding its infotainment offering to include games from Air Console Games. Players use their smartphones as controllers and play Uno, Pac Man, or answer questions on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" together.

If the storage space in the standard version of the Multivan, which is 4.97 meters long, isn't enough for you, you can opt for the 5.17-meter version with a longer rear overhang. Additionally, up to 100 kilograms can be transported on the roof or up to 2,000 kilograms can be transported in a braked trailer. However, the total range of 700 kilometers with a full tank and battery will likely be lower.

VW Multivan eHybrid 4 Motion Plug-in Hybrid - technical data

• Five-door, seven-seater minibus
• Length: 4.97 / 5.17 meters, width: 1.94 meters, height: 1.91 meters, wheelbase: 3.12 meters, trunk volume: 1,844 to 4,053 liters
• 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor, plus electric rear axle, six-speed dual clutch, total system output: 180 kW/245 hp, torque: 350 Nm, gasoline engine: 130 kW/177 hp, torque: 250 Nm, front electric motor: 85 kW/110 hp, torque: 330 Nm, electric rear axle: 100 kW/136 hp, torque: 250 Nm, 0-100 km/h: 8.9 s, top speed: 200 km/h, standard fuel consumption: 22.8 kWh plus 0.9 l per liter/100 kilometers, with a discharged battery: 7.9 liters/100 km
• CO2 emissions: 18 g/km, battery size: 19.7 kWh, range: 700 km, electric: 95 km, charging power: 50 kW (DC), 11 kW (AC), charging time: DC: 10-80 percent in 26 minutes, AC: 0-100 percent in 2:30 hours.
• Price: from 70,950 euros