Volkswagen has dropped the details of the e-Golf, making an appearance next week at the LA Auto Show and becoming the first EV the company will sell in the U.S. Yes, it looks like the new Golf, which goes on sale next year, but what were you expecting?
The e-Golf starts off with the body of the five-door Golf, but gets a 115-horse electric motor with, importantly, 199 lb.-ft. of torque. That means the EVDub gets to 60 in an estimated 10.4 seconds, and tops out at 87 mph. However, that sort of depends on which of the three driving modes and three regenerative braking modes you put it in. So much choice from the Germans, right?
A 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery is joined with a 7.2 kW onboard charger on the e-Golf, enabling a range VW pegs at between 70 and 90 miles. The EPA estimates the Nissan Leaf is good for 75 miles on a charge, so your friend in Palo Alto shouldn't be that jealous of your e-Golf. However, VW says the e-Golf will come standard with a fast charging setup that gets the battery recharged to 80% in 30 minutes.
VW would also like you to note all of the LEDs on the e-Golf. In fact, it's the first car they've made only with LEDs, or something like that. Stuff like navigation, heated seats and a backup camera will also be available if you're into that.
Expect to see the e-Golf go on sale late next year in "select markets," which means California and maybe some other environmentally friendly states like Massachusetts. Don't expect to see it if you live in a state where the Leaf is your only EV choice, though.
Photos: Volkswagen