大众近日公布了Gen.E研究用原型车细节，而下一代高尔夫似乎将基于这款车型。这款电动掀背车用于测试自动充电系统，它可以自动插入大众车标下面的充电接口进行充电。大众表示，多层车库可利用带关节的机械手臂简化充电程序。而更重要的是，这辆原型车看起来更像基于现行版e-Golf的改款车型。它采用了更具现代感造型风格，续航里程也比e-Golf增加了一倍。大众表示，这辆原型车续航里程超过400公里。而车身采用轻量化结构，可以在受到撞击时保护包括电池在内的部件。该车其他细节不详，车厂表示，它采用先进锂电池和更高效电机。

Next-Gen VW Golf Previewed Via Gen.E Research Vehicle

Volkswagen has detailed the Gen.E research prototype, which appears to hint at the next-generation Golf.

The electric hatchback is presented as an experimental vehicle used to test robotic systems that can automatically plug in a charge cable to a part hidden behind the VW placard on the hood. The company suggests an articulated arm could be used in multi-story parking garages to simplify charging.

Perhaps more importantly, the prototype seems to represent an evolution of the current e-Golf. It adopts a more modern styling and offers more than twice as much electric range on a single charge.

"This provides an insight into the next generation of automobiles for efficient long-distance mobility with a range of more than 400 kilometres," the company notes. "The lightweight architecture has been designed for maximum crash safety including the battery."

Additional details remain scarce, though VW suggests the prototype is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery with a more efficient electric motor.