Volkswagen of America announced details of the e-Golf, its first
fully electric vehicle to go on sale in the U.S., which will debut at
the Los Angeles Auto Show. The e-Golf is part of a structured powertrain
strategy that will lead to the timely introduction of new and
alternative drive systems, and is a part of Volkswagen’s holistic
approach to sustainability, Think Blue. Volkswagen has stated that it
aims to be the world leader in e-mobility among automakers by 2018.
Although
Volkswagen has sold more than 30 million Golf models worldwide, this is
the first zero tailpipe emissions, fully electric version of the car
that will be sold to the public. The e-Golf is available in five-door
form only and is immediately recognizable by its unique aluminum-alloy
wheels and by its LED headlights, the first time they have been used as
standard on a Volkswagen vehicle. The LED headlights are more
energy-efficient than Bi-Xenon systems, yet produce even more light. The
standard LED daytime running lights are also highly energy-efficient
and have a signature C-shaped design, a feature of Volkswagen’s electric
vehicles. Another striking feature is the colored strip across the
radiator grille that consciously aligns the e-Golf with Volkswagen’s
Think Blue sustainability campaign.
The e-Golf is due to go on sale in the U.S. in select states in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The
e-Golf is powered by a 115-horsepower electric motor. From a standing
start the EEM-85 synchronous permanent-magnet AC motor develops an
impressive 199 pound-feet of torque, allowing the e-Golf to reach 25 mph
from rest in 4.2 seconds and to get to 60 mph in approximately 10.4
seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 87 mph.
Depending
on driving style and charging behavior, the average range for the
e-Golf is between 70 and 90 miles. Helping ensure optimal range in cold
weather is a newly developed heat pump that is part of the e-Golf’s
comprehensive list of standard equipment.
In
‘Eco+’ mode, the electronics limit the power output to 74 hp and the
starting torque to 129 lb-ft, further flatten the accelerator pedal
response curve and the air conditioning is switched off. The e-Golf now
reaches a top speed of 56 mph and accelerates at a correspondingly
slower rate. Nevertheless, full power, maximum torque, and the 87 mph
top speed can be obtained if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal
fully down in either ‘Eco’ or ‘Eco+’ mode.
