The caravan show in Düsseldorf, Germany, is one of the largest in Europe and is the preferred place for brands to present their new models. This year, Volkswagen, the best-known German brand, was no exception to the rule by presenting a new version of its renowned van converted, the VW California. And, it was a rather unexpected version that appeared at the show, the new California eHybrid 4Motion which benefits from an electric range of more than 80 km per charge. With a price only 6.5% higher than the turbo-diesel version, it could appeal to future nature and road trip lovers. More ecological and more economical than the previous version.
Doubled electric autonomy
Volkswagen is strengthening its range of hybrid vehicles with the new eHybrid 4Motion version of the Multivan and California. Initially launched three years ago, the Multivan offered a plug-in hybrid system combining a 148 hp 1.4 liter TSI engine and an electric motor, allowing 50 km of range in electric mode thanks to a 13 kWh battery. This hybrid version met the needs of city dwellers and travel enthusiasts with its balance between zero emissions and extended autonomy. Today, Volkswagen improves this model with a 1.5-liter TSI evo2 engine, two electric motors and 4Motion all-wheel drive, increasing power to 241 hp and doubling the electric range to 91 km with a 19.7 battery. kWh.
Improvements in the eHybrid 4Motion version
Volkswagen has not skimped on resources for this new hybrid model. The list is long in terms of improvements made. Thus, we can note a fully electric range of 130 km, or even a improvement of load capacities with AC speeds of up to 11 kW, up from 3.6 kW on the first generation Multivan eHybrid system. Additionally, the battery is now liquid-cooled and can charge at speeds of up to 50 kW on a DC charger. A little bonus to note? The air conditioning is battery powered. Thus, the German brand claims that the air conditioning and heating can be turned on when the California is parked.
The price of this new converted van
The new California eHybrid 4Motion is now available for pre-order on the European market. Starting prices, recently revealed, start at €77,772 for the Beach Tour version, a four-seater motorhome model, and rise to €82,907 for the full California version, equipped with a kitchen positioned on the driver’s side . The price difference, in comparison with their respective models, in the TDi version is €9,948 more, and €5,075 for the California model.
Want to know more about the VW California eHybrid 4Motion campervan? Go to the German brand’s website: volkswagen-nutzfahrzeuge.de. And you ? How do you like this new California camper van? Would you be willing to pre-order yours? What do you think of this new hybrid version? Give us your opinion or share your experience with us. Please notify us of any errors in the text, click here to post a comment.
