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Volkswagen is reportedly considering bolstering its PHEV lineup amid lagging EV sales. The company is currently considering extending its flexible powertrain offerings, telling Autocar, “Hybrids were a thing of the past. Last year, if you asked the same question, it would have been: ‘Forget hybrids, it’s expensive technology, it’s not worth it.’ Within the last six months, all of a sudden, everyone wants hybrids.”

In Europe, the company currently offers PHEV variants of models like the Tiguan, Golf, and Passat, with all three utilizing the same PHEV powertrain. Volkswagen believes it can expand this system to other vehicles to bridge the current gap in BEV technology, mirroring a strategy that’s already being utilized by companies like Toyota.

An Impressive New PHEV Powertrain

Although the company offers a few PHEV variants, no PHEVs or even hybrids are currently offered in the US. All three European models make use of an updated eHybrid system that utilizes a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 19.7 kWh battery and 85 kW electric motor. Volkswagen promises they’ll offer up to 62 miles of all-electric range with a minimum of 204 horsepower and the option for 272 horsepower if fuel efficiency is less important to you.

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Charging has been improved on the new models, with AC charging up to 11 kW and DC fast charging up to 50 kW. If these numbers sound impressive it’s because they are and would give Volkswwagen the highest all-electric range of PHEVs currently on the market.

Coming To The US?

The US models we’re expecting this year include the new Tiguan and ID.7, facelifted GTI, and long-awaited ID. Buzz van. Given the Tiguan shares its architecture with the one across the pond, the prospect of a PHEV is doable. The increased interest in hybrids over EVs also makes it a stronger possibility, but nothing is confirmed.

Automakers from GM to Tesla are feeling the strain from a slowing EV market. Automotive News recently spoke with VW Group CEO Oliver Blume at the company’s annual press conference earlier this year, and he’s adamant that EVs are “the future, period,” but went on to say VW is “flexible enough to adapt to changes in different markets.”

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He specifically pointed out the possibility of bringing the Tiguan PHEV here, going as far as saying “We have the basis, we’re just trying to figure out how, when, how to homologate and how to localize.” Thanks to the adaptability of the new PHEV powertrain it can then be modified for additional vehicles, perhaps the Atlas or Taos, opening up a whole new avenue of sales for the brand.