VW: CNG Caddy coming

Europe'S largest auto maker joins the game of cars using alternative energies. The Caddy will be the first vehicle from the group with a Natural Gas Engine.

The Caddy EcoFuel, first shown at the Frankfurt auto show in 2005 (earlier post) uses a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 80 kW (109 hp) of power, 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque, and a driving range of 430 kilometers (267 miles).

Fuel consumption for the Euro-4 compliant van is 6 kilograms of natural gas/100 kilometers (about 26 mpgge US), with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km.

The Caddy EcoFuel uses what Volkswagen calls a quasi-monovalent approach: optimized for operation on natural gas, it has a small 13-liter (3.4 gallons US) tank for gasoline operation. The engine always starts using gasoline.

The engine has a relatively high compression ratio (13.5:1) for operating with natural gas. When running on gasoline, the ignition point is delayed and the throttle butterfly setting adjusted to compensate for the high compression.

Four storage tanks hold 26 kg of natural gas, and are located in the rear under the floor. The underfloor storage maximizes interior space for cargo or passengers.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, VW, Volkswagen, Caddy, alternative energies, CNG

Source: Green Car Congress

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