Why you won't see VW hybrids in SA before 2027

Volkswagen South Africa says though it is “discussing” hybrids, we won’t see any VW-badged examples on local roads before at least 2027. Here’s why…

The head of Volkswagen Group South Africa has revealed though the firm continues to “discuss” hybrids, VW-badged vehicles such equipped won’t be seen on local roads before at least 2027.

Martina Biene, chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, made the comments during an exclusive podcast interview with Cars.co.za video journalist, Ciro De Siena.

So, why the long wait for hybrid vehicles, considering VW already offers a number in some other markets? Well, Biene – who also served as head of the Volkswagen passenger brand in SA from October 2018 until August 2020, before moving back to Germany for a short stint – suggested South Africa’s fuel quality was to blame.

*The VW Golf 8 GTE offered in Europe is a plug-in hybrid boasting a GTI-matching 180 kW.*

“To bridge a bit to EVs, we are discussing hybrid technology,” she confirmed, emphasising should such models be offered in South Africa they would not be locally produced but rather fully imported.

“The fuel quality in South Africa currently does not work with the engines we use for hybrid technology in Wolfsburg. But by 2027 there’s the next fuel quality level excepted in South Africa – a better fuel quality. And with that we could look into hybrids again,” Biene explained, making reference to SA’s long-delayed “Clean Fuels II” regulations that are expected to finally be implemented in 2027.

Biene pointed to the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) as a compelling stepping stone to the fully electric car, though was wary of the cost implications.

“We have plug-in hybrids, which I think is the best technology to bridge into EVs. But unfortunately it’s also the most expensive because you have the best of both worlds. So, I’m not so sure whether that’s the right [route to go] for South Africa.

*The 340 kW Touareg R is another of VW’s plug-in hybrids.*

“I think the technology itself is great and also bridges into EVs because you can overcome range anxiety as you still have your combustion engine, but let’s [wait to see what will happen locally] when we get closer to 2027,” she added.

Finally, Biene touched on the fact the German firm offers mild-hybrid powertrains – under the “eTSI” badge – in some markets, though suggested the local fuel-quality issue was likewise hampering the chances of these engines being made available to South Africa.

“Then we’ve got the eTSI, as we call it, where you just have a bit of electric support. So, we’re debating, but this is not going to happen before 2027 because of the fuel quality and the engines used with VW globally.”