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XL1 dive and drive: Volkswagen aggressively optimizes for efficiency in its sleek diesel plug-in hybrid

Green Car Congress

The XLI can be also be put into a charging mode, which runs the engine at a slightly higher point that required, using the excess power to generate electricity to recharge the battery. two-cylinder diesel, 20 kW electric motor and 5.5 Power and torque curves for the XL1. Click to enlarge. (In

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Slow start for charge of the electric cars - Times Online

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

Witha 60-mile range, most felt the need to recharge after 30 miles or so. E-Flex is technically a hybrid with two power units, but unlike the ToyotaPrius, Honda Insight and various Lexus models, the engine in the Volt doesnot drive the wheels, it simply acts as an emergency generator to rechargethe batteries.