What's all this about?
Following on from the reveal of a hydrogen fuel cell-equipped Audi A7 Sportback hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show, parent group Volkswagen is showing off similar tech in a slightly more accessible car - the end result being the Golf SportWagen HyMotion.
Is the drivetrain the same as in the A7, then?
Essentially, but it's not quite as powerful. The Golf has a 100kW (136hp) electric motor, adapted from the e-Golf, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery and the hydrogen fuel cell. With four carbon fibre storage tanks built into the underbody of the SportWagen, on a full tank of gas (literally) it can go 310 miles. Performance is pretty capable, too, with 0-62mph quoted as being dealt with in just 10 seconds.
There are a lot of alternative fuel Golfs out there, aren't there?
Indeed there are, although it is worth remembering this LA show star is only a concept at this stage - the hydrogen infrastructure to support something like the SportWagen HyMotion is nowhere near widespread enough yet. But if you look at how the recent growth of EV sales has led to a proliferation of public charging points, hydrogen hybrids like this could be the future of motoring. If the Golf HyMotion does make it into production, you'll be able to buy a Golf with every conceivably feasible form of motive power going - hydrogen, petrol, diesel, natural gas, full electric and plug-in hybrid drive.
Matt Robinson - 27 Nov 2014