Volkswagen invests in its new R&D center that will use ethanol and other biofuels in hybrid cars, making Brazil a reference for other emerging countries
Volkswagen is applying a series of investments in its new technology research and development center that will use ethanol and other biofuels in hybrid cars. The objective of the German automaker is to seek more efficient combustion and new hybrid solutions, focusing on the emerging market. The investment is Volkswagen's response to the expected delay in the global transition to electric cars, including in India.
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CEO of Volkswagen Latin America speaks
According to Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen América Laina, hosting the new R&D Center for ethanol in Brazil puts Latin America in evidence in the “Volkswagen world”.
According to the executive, being able to develop, lead and export technological solutions through the use of clean energy from biofuels such as ethanol, is characterized as a complementary strategy to electric, hybrid and combustion car engines in emerging markets.
Di Si states that in terms of investment, Volkswagen will work in partnership with the Government, agroindustry and universities so that it can work with the best for the automotive future. The Volkswagen executive in Latin America himself had already given some “spoilers” on this subject, indicating that the company did not have the same position in relation to European countries.
Ethanol and hybrid cars are the only way out, says Volkswagen
Volkswagen's plan for Europe is to be 100% carbon neutral between 2033 and 2035, when the European Union will possibly ban the sale of cars with combustion engines.
In the case of emerging markets, such as Brazil, the company explains that the lack of investments in charging infrastructure, renewable energy and income, makes electrification impossible. Therefore, ethanol emerges as the only viable option for hybrid cars.
According to a study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Brazil, by 2030, 72% of the national demand for biofuels will be met only if the currently degraded pastures are optimized so as not to compromise food production.
Expectations for the automotive future in Brazil
The study shows that currently, 1,2% of the national territory is used to grow sugarcane, with 0,8% used for the production of ethanol and 92% of the cane harvested comes from the Center-South and 8% from the Northeast .
So, for Brazil, it is possible to expect EA211 series engines, using TSI technology with Miller cycle, high pressure double injection and variable geometry turbine. In addition, light hybridization with 12V or 48V may be used, bearing in mind that it will no longer be used in Europe in 10 years.
