Swooshing away in the 2015 VW e-Golf [First Drive Video]

2015, e-golf, vw, volkswagen, ev, electric
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf

Volkswagen jumps into the American all-electric car segment with the 2015 VW e-Golf. It looks much like any other Mk7 Golf with the exception of the LED lights up front.  There are also small touches like the blue outline on the VW badges.

The e-Golf is powered by an electric motor with 115 hp and 199 lb-ft of instant torque. The 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery provides the power and can get the juice via the on-board 7.2 kW charger. The 1-speed transmission sends the power to the front wheels. Volkswagen estimates the average range of 70-90 miles.

2015, vw, e-golf, electric, golfThere are three driving profiles designed to preserve energy (“Normal”, “Eco”, and “Eco+”) and three driver-selectable regenerative braking levels. These settings adjust the amount of power delivered for acceleration, or the energy being recovered under braking.

The car starts at $35,445 (without the $820 destination charge) for the fully loaded SEL Premium. Of course, you can take advantage of federal and state rebates for an electric vehicle. You can also use the HOV lanes in certain states. The e-Golf goes on sale in November, 2014 in the coastal ZEV states: California, Oregon, Florida, and several other east coast states. Please check with your dealership for participation.

You get all the premium technology features, and an interior which is very familiar. You do not lose any interior space in the e-Golf when compared to the conventional model. You also do not gain any. It is still 22.8 cu-ft of space behind the rear seats; 52.7 cu-ft with seats folded.

 

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011.