Volkswagen has been developing alternative fuel systems for a few years now. Recently, VW released its newest hybrid to a government sponsored forum and if all goes well it will be available within the next 3 years.

The Golf TwinDrive is a “plug-in” Hybrid that uses a standard home electrical outlet to charge Lithium-Ion battery packs. The battery packs will then be coupled with either a traditional gasoline engine or the VW TDI making an estimated 174 horsepower. All in all it should offer quite an amazing package that is fun to drive and better for the environment.

Using the lithium-ion battery packs alone, the Golf TwinDrive has a range of about 30 miles, after that it has to go to fuel hybrid system. According to Volkswagen, on a typical 92-mile route, the TwinDrive should return the equivalent of 90+ miles to the gallon.

The biggest reason for the release of the new design was to help drive the development of new energy systems. VW joined an alliance of German companies that hope to promote the efficient use of renewable energy sources in the automotive market. A release date of 2010 is expected.

source:inventorspot.com