Photo: Volkswagen
Volkswagen's ventures into the eco market in America have so far included a hybrid version of the Jetta and sporadic success with clean diesels. Now, the German car company is going full-electric for the very first time and the model chosen, predictably, is the Golf.
Say hello to the e-Golf, a battery-powered version of the compact hatch which went on sale only yesterday. The green version won't be available until the fourth quarter in as-of-yet unspecified dealerships. Since California has a reputation as being an electric car heaven, it's safe to say they'll start there.
Volkswagen has gone for an air-cooled system, just like the one in the Nissan Leaf. Rivals from Tesla, Ford and Chevrolet all use liquid cooling. The German company also claims lower power consumption of 12.7 kWh/100km, compared to 15 in the case of the Japanese Leaf. This may or may not affect sales.
The maximum driving range is estimated at 115 miles (185 km), but in the real world it will be closer to 70 - 90 miles (112 – 145 km).
Unlike most EVs sold in America, the e-Golf looks like a regular car and works like one as well. 0 to 62 mph takes just over 10 seconds, and the torque will give its powertrain a meety feel, especially when pulling from standstill. With the exception of the blue accent stitching, the cabin looks exactly the same like on a normal Golf and Volkswagen even claims that boot capacity is uncompromised. Equipment is going to be extremely generous because the e-Golf will sticker for way more than a regular compact. VW USA will fit the car as standard with all-LED headlights, a first not only for the Golf, but the whole brand.
No info on pricing yet, but it should be around $40,000 before the government grants kick in. It's worth nothing that Mercedes also has an electric B-Class on its way to America that follows the sale "car first" formula.
That's why all e-Golf will come with a Roadside Assistance Pack. If the battery runs dry within 100 miles of the owner's home, they will come, pick it up and deliver it. Volkswagen will also pay for a client's taxi and offers assistance on an unlimited number of occurrences.
Car First, EV Second
Just like the European version, power comes from an electric motor generating 85 kW (115 PS) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) and works together with a 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. This is packed under the rear seats of the car, where the gas tank would have been and adds 700 pounds (318 kg) to the weight.Volkswagen has gone for an air-cooled system, just like the one in the Nissan Leaf. Rivals from Tesla, Ford and Chevrolet all use liquid cooling. The German company also claims lower power consumption of 12.7 kWh/100km, compared to 15 in the case of the Japanese Leaf. This may or may not affect sales.
The maximum driving range is estimated at 115 miles (185 km), but in the real world it will be closer to 70 - 90 miles (112 – 145 km).
Unlike most EVs sold in America, the e-Golf looks like a regular car and works like one as well. 0 to 62 mph takes just over 10 seconds, and the torque will give its powertrain a meety feel, especially when pulling from standstill. With the exception of the blue accent stitching, the cabin looks exactly the same like on a normal Golf and Volkswagen even claims that boot capacity is uncompromised. Equipment is going to be extremely generous because the e-Golf will sticker for way more than a regular compact. VW USA will fit the car as standard with all-LED headlights, a first not only for the Golf, but the whole brand.
No info on pricing yet, but it should be around $40,000 before the government grants kick in. It's worth nothing that Mercedes also has an electric B-Class on its way to America that follows the sale "car first" formula.
Free Roadside Assistance to Kill Range Anxiety
Unlike the Nissan Leaf, which was a bit of trailblazer, the Golf can only offer something different in a market that's already there. That probably means most of the customers will come from within the brand and all will thus have the so-called "range anxiety" where they're concerned the battery will run out in the middle of the road.That's why all e-Golf will come with a Roadside Assistance Pack. If the battery runs dry within 100 miles of the owner's home, they will come, pick it up and deliver it. Volkswagen will also pay for a client's taxi and offers assistance on an unlimited number of occurrences.
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