Volkswagen’s first fully electric car for the U.S. market, the 2015 eGolf, has arrived at dealerships in select states. The e-Golf is powered by a 115 hp electric motor that delivers 199 lb.-ft. of torque. The average range is between 70 and 90 miles, and MSRP is $35,445.
It is being sold at dealerships in states involved in the Zero Emission Vehicle action plan and others: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C. Volkswagen will be advising dealers in these states on how to sell to government fleets.
The vehicle’s battery, a 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, is integrated in a frame in the vehicle floor under the front and rear seats and in the center tunnel. The lithium-ion battery accounts for 701 lbs. of the e-Golf model’s 3090-lbs. curb weight.
Drivers can control the vehicle’s energy use through three driving profiles and three levels of regenerative braking. In addition, to ensure optimal range in cold weather, a newly developed heat pump comes standard with the vehicle. The pump uses both ambient air and heat from the drive system components to heat the cabin rather than relying solely on the high-voltage heater, helping to reduce on-board electrical consumption during winter months.
A Roadside Assistance Plan is designed to take the anxiety out of “range anxiety.” For instance, if the customer runs out of charge and is within 100 miles of their home, Volkswagen’s Roadside Assistance provider will deliver the car to a nearby and convenient source for charging and will pay for the customer to take a taxi home or to work if they decide not to travel with the car. The plan covers unlimited events.
A 220-volt wallbox for a garage or carport would charge a flat battery in less than four hours, while connection to a 110/120-volt electrical socket would take around 20 hours to charge the battery. The e-Golf can also be charged using DC fast charging, which can charge 80% of the battery in 30 minutes.
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