Nina Caldwell
The Volkswagen e-Golf is a sleek electric car that debuted in 2015. It is a practical, well-built, and comfortable vehicle with a range of 125 miles on a single charge. The e-Golf is a great choice for those looking for an electric car without the hefty price tag of a Tesla. It is also an excellent family car, with ample cabin space for four adults and a large trunk. However, it falls short in terms of range when compared to competitors like the Bolt EV, Kona Electric, and Model 3, which offer twice the range for similar prices. The e-Golf also has a disappointing battery capacity and a laggy infotainment system. On the used market, the e-Golf is an excellent value, but replacement battery packs can be expensive. Overall, the e-Golf is a well-reviewed electric car that offers a premium driving experience at a more accessible price point.
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What You'll Learn
The e-Golf is a good electric car for the price
While the e-Golf has a shorter range than some other electric cars on the market, it is still a good value for the price. The 2019 model has an EPA-estimated driving range of 125 miles, which is a decent number. The car can also be charged at either a 120-volt or a 240-volt outlet, and it can charge from empty to 80% in 35 minutes at a 40kW peak charging level. The e-Golf's sleek-looking infotainment display, practical hatchback body, and zippy-feeling acceleration in urban settings also make it a good choice.
One of the main advantages of the e-Golf is that it looks and feels like a normal car. This is because Volkswagen took their seventh-generation Golf architecture and simply replaced the internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This means that the e-Golf has the same tight fit and finish as other Volkswagen products, and the steering and brakes feel the same as its gasoline counterpart. The only tell-tale differences are the digital cockpit in the instrument panel and the unique 16-inch wheels on the outside.
The e-Golf also has some additional features that make it a good value. The base SE model comes standard with DC fast charging and can be optioned with a Driver Assistance package, which adds safety features such as automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The car is also eligible for a $7500 federal tax credit, which can help offset the cost.
Overall, the e-Golf is a good electric car for the price, offering a practical and efficient option for those looking to get into an electric vehicle without breaking the bank.
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It has a shorter range than other electric cars
The Volkswagen e-Golf has a shorter range than other electric cars. When introduced in 2015, the e-Golf had a range of about 80 miles on a full charge. This was increased to 125 miles for the 2017 model, with a bigger 35.8-kWh battery pack. However, this falls far short of the ranges offered by competitors like the Bolt EV (238 miles), the Kona Electric (258 miles), and the Model 3 Mid Range (264 miles).
The limited range of the e-Golf may be a drawback for those with range anxiety due to long commutes or those who need to use heating or air conditioning. In cold weather, the range can be as low as 110km, and even on a warm day, it may not exceed 180km. This has been noted as a limitation by some owners, who have had to supplement their e-Golf with an additional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
However, for those with shorter commutes and errands, the e-Golf's range may be sufficient. If your daily commute and errand routes fall within the e-Golf's range of 125 miles, it could be a great choice as it is well-built and affordable on the used market.
Additionally, Volkswagen offers a Winter pack that includes a heat pump, which can increase the range by up to 20%. This can help mitigate the impact of cold weather on the car's range.
In conclusion, while the Volkswagen e-Golf has a shorter range than other electric cars, it may still be a good choice for those with shorter commutes who prioritize affordability and the familiarity of the Golf driving experience.
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Servicing and maintenance costs
The e-Golf needs its first service after two years or 18,000 miles, then every 12 months or 18,000 miles. Services alternate between minor and major. A minor service involves checking the brakes, high-voltage cables, battery pack, and electrics, and costs around £120. A major service involves replacing the brake fluid and pollen filter, and costs approximately £170. Volkswagen offers payment plans and service packages to help spread the cost.
The simplicity of the e-Golf compared to a conventionally powered car means that maintenance costs for the electric-only Golf should be significantly lower. One advantage of the e-Golf is that you won't need to worry about replacing the headlamp bulbs, as the e-Golf was the first Volkswagen to be fitted with LED headlights as standard.
However, it is important to note that replacement battery packs for the e-Golf are very expensive, and as these cars get older, it will cost more to fit a new battery pack than the car is worth. This is a significant consideration if you are buying an early e-Golf.
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The e-Golf is fun to drive
The e-Golf is an electric vehicle that looks and feels like a normal car. It has the same tight fit and finish as other Volkswagen products, and the steering and brakes feel the same as its gasoline counterpart. The e-Golf is well-built and can be found for an affordable price on the used market. The e-Golf is a good commuter car, and it's fun to drive in the corners. The e-Golf is also eligible for a $7500 federal tax credit.
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The e-Golf is a practical family car
The e-Golf is a quality package overall, with typical Volkswagen build quality and a comprehensive safety package. It is quiet, smooth, and refined, with excellent acceleration and good handling. It is also one of the most accessible ways to get into electric motoring, with a lower purchase price than some rivals.
The e-Golf is also very easy to live with. It has three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Eco+, which help to conserve battery range and reduce air conditioning output. The battery pack can be charged from empty to 80% in 35 minutes at a peak charging level of 40kW. From a standard household supply, a full recharge takes 13 hours.
The e-Golf is a great choice for families with a daily school run and for city-based business users. It is compact and practical, with a comfortable ride, and everything works just fine. It is also very slick, with excellent reviews from Car and Driver and Edmunds.
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Frequently asked questions
The Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric car that was introduced in 2015. It was Volkswagen's first all-electric offering and was based on the seventh-generation Golf architecture.
The e-Golf is a well-built car that offers a practical means of getting into an electric car without breaking the bank. It has a sleek design, a comfortable cabin, and is fun to drive. It also has a large trunk, making it suitable for four adults.
The e-Golf has a disappointing battery capacity, with a range of around 125 miles on a single charge. This falls short when compared to other electric vehicles in its class. The infotainment system is also slow to respond, and the car is only available in select markets.
The Nissan Leaf is a popular alternative to the e-Golf, offering good value for money and a decent range. The Renault Zoe is another option, providing a balance of price, usability, and range, although older models may have a lower range of around 60 miles. The Hyundai Kona and Kia e-Niro are also impressive electric cars with a good range and build quality.
