If you want to save the world from internal-combustion engine CO2 emissions, then by all means, go for VW’s new e-Golf, but if you want save a buck, then you might want to look elsewhere.
You see, it all comes down to costs. With a starting price of $35,445 (plus $820 destination and delivery), the e-Golf is $10,450 more expensive than a Golf GTI hatch (not taking into consideration any differences in equipment), which even at 25mpg (city), means you can do some 65,000 miles (at $4 a gallon) before reaching the EV’s MSRP.
Opt for a diesel Golf TDI (from $21,995) that gets up to 45mpg highway and, well, you get the idea.
Still, if an electrified Golf tickles your fancy, VW’s new hatch gets an electric motor delivering 85 kW (114hp/115PS) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque and is able to reach 62mph (100km/h) in 10.4 seconds, sporting a limited top speed of around 90mph.
VW has said that the 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery recharges in 13 hours via a conventional plug and in 8 hours using a garage wall box. However, a standard Combined Charging System (CCS) allows 80 percent battery charge within a more reasonable 30 minutes.
And for those concerned about where that electricity comes from, VW states:
“Volkswagen has announced a collaboration with 3Degrees, a renewable energy services provider, to invest in carbon reduction projects to help offset the emissions created from production, distribution and charging of the e-Golf for up to approximately 36,000 miles of driving”.
Standard features for the new e-Golf include:
- Combined Charging System (CCS) that allows 80 percent battery charge within 30 minutes
- Standard 7.2kW onboard charger
- Average range between 70 and 90 miles, depending on driving style and charging behavior
- Class-leading 199 lb-ft of torque, with 115 horsepower
- Largest interior space in a compact EV—an impressive 93.5 cubic feet, same volume as Golf
- Versatile cargo area, with 22.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats; 52.7 cubic feet with seats folded
- Three driving profiles designed to preserve energy (“Normal”, “Eco”, and “Eco+”)
- Three driver-selectable regenerative braking levels
- 5.8-inch touchscreen navigation system and infotainment center
- Bluetooth technology
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking system
- Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- LED headlights
- Bespoke 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
- Keyless access
- Heatable front seats
- Rearview camera; and front and rear Park Distance Control
The e-Golf will go on sale in certain dealerships in select states in November 2014.