Volkswagen recently unveiled an all-electric version of the European 2014 VW Golf - and an EV variant of its global “Up!” city car - at this year’s International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. And while some might think the company’s first production EVs are a bit late to the party, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, begs to differ.
“We are starting at exactly the right time,” Winterkorn said during the duo’s debut. “We are electrifying all vehicle classes, and therefore have everything we need to make the Volkswagen Group the top automaker in all respects, including electric mobility, by 2018.”
Now, Autobytel first reported on an all-electric VW Golf this spring, but it’s only with the car’s public introduction that VW is releasing details about its electric propulsion system. As configured for European drivers, the setup includes a 24.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an 85-kW electric motor, making approximately 113 hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque. In terms of performance, VW is claiming the e-Golf runs from 0-60 km/h (37.2 mph) in 4.2 seconds, can get from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.4 seconds, and is electronically limited to a top speed of 140 km/h (86.8 mph).
More to the point, the VW Golf EV has a zero-emissions, all-electric driving range of up to 190 km (117.8 miles) that is more than 40 miles beyond that of a 2013 Nissan LEAF or 2014 Ford Focus Electric. Of course, just for comparison’s sake, it’s also less than half of the EPA-certified range of a top-of-the-line 2013 Tesla Model S. In regards to charging, because it can be tricky to try to convert the European numbers to U.S. equivalents, we’ll just note that European customers can charge the e-Golf from zero to full capacity in about 13 hours using a typical household outlet or in about eight hours with a home-charging unit. Additionally, the vehicle has fast-charging capability that allows it to be charged to 80 percent of capacity in about 30 minutes when using compatible charge stations.
The new e-Golf won’t join the U.S. VW Golf family for at least another year though, as the traditionally powered all-new models themselves aren’t expected until 2014, but we do have some more details to whet your appetite until then…