Volkswagen have added a fully electric version to their line up of hugely popular Golf variants. Aptly named the e-Golf, VW have truly outdone themselves, introducing a major competitor into electric car market.
With petrol and tax prices so high, more people are turning to super economical cars in order to save money. Electric and hybrid cars have become serious contenders in the auto market over recent years. Cars like the Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf and the new BMW i3 have proven themselves with impressive sales figures. This has shown that electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly viable option for everyday driving.
VW claim that the e-Golf can achieve a maximum range of 118 miles on a full charge – however, we expect this figure to be considerably lower for everyday driving. Although nearly all electric cars on the market today suffer from battery limitations, the range is more than sufficient for the average city driver. Electric cars, however, are still generally considered a “second car” option for use on short journeys. Costing less than £5 for a full charge, there are huge savings to be made by investing in an electric car, not to mention the environmental benefits when compared with their petrol guzzling counterparts. VW claim that the e-Golf achieves the equivalent of 217 mpg – impressive figures indeed!
The new e-Golf comes with an array of driving modes aimed at further increasing efficiency and range. Drivers can choose from three driving settings which adjust power and top speed levels depending on driving preferences and journey requirements. The VW also employs regenerative braking technology which uses engine braking to recharge the batteries as you slow down. There are five different braking modes which gradually increase engine braking – meaning that, when you lift your foot off the accelerator, the electric motor will automatically slow down the car. The stronger the engine braking, the more energy is regenerated and fed back to the batteries.
The chassis of the e-Golf has been designed specifically to accommodate electric power. The heavy battery pack is located underneath the car, meaning that the e-Golf has a low centre of gravity and the pack’s placement doesn’t impact on interior space. In terms of performance, the VW is more than capable for short journeys. The electric motor produces 115 bhp, achieving a respectable 0-62 time of 10.5 seconds. As with all electric motors, torque is immediate and consistent throughout the throttle range. The e-Golf is capable of 87 mph in normal driving mode – this top speed is reduced when eco-modes are selected in order to save power.
The reason that the e-Golf is so good is that it is still inherently a VW Golf – a proven family car with an impeccable track record. The interior is spacious, quality levels are high and the car performs and handles as well as any previous model. Safety is paramount with VW cars and the e-Golf is no exception, with a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating.
The government are currently offering a £5000 subsidy on plug-in electric vehicles, meaning now is a great time to get serious money off the list price. At £30,845, the e-Golf isn’t cheap – but premium pricing is standard amongst electric cars, due to the expensive technology concealed within. The e-Golf is available now at £25,845 with the government grant, and first deliveries are expected later this year.
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