Volkswagen has announced that the next model in its Golf line-up will be an all-electric version. The new e-Golf is set to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a few weeks.
Exterior
On the whole, the e-Golf looks very much the same as a regular Golf; although a few differences do set them apart. Bespoke, lightweight alloy wheels have been created for Volkswagen's electric models and thus sit under the arches of the e-Golf. Being electric, the top grille is surplus to requirements and has been filled in to aid aerodynamics; and the e-Golf is the first Volkswagen ever to sport LED headlights.
Interior
The traditionally well-made Golf cabin finds its way into the e-Golf too, and brings with it a generous helping of standard equipment. Automatic climate control, satellite navigation and a heated windscreen all come as standard, as does the addition of a switch that controls the e-Golf's driving mode. Two options - Eco and Eco+ - work in conjunction with four regenerative braking systems - D1, D2, D3 and B - to create maximum driving range regardless of environment or driving style.
Mechanicals
The 85kW/115hp electric motor under the bonnet of the e-Golf is combined with a 24.2kWh battery pack to achieve a claimed theoretical range of 190 kilometres. When you aren't on an eco-drive this same power unit can get the e-Golf from 0-100km/h in 10.4 seconds and onto a limited top speed of 140km/h - not blisteringly quick, but potent enough for the town and city drivers that the e-Golf is likely to be marketed towards. Charging the e-Golf does seem to be quick though, as Volkswagen says that the quickest public charging points can fill 80 per cent of the car's battery in just half an hour.
Anything else?
Sitting alongside the e-Golf at Frankfurt will be another new electric car - the e-up!, which uses the same technology as the e-Golf, albeit on a reduced scale. Thanks to these smaller dimensions, the e-up! has been named the most efficient production car ever made, with 62 miles of driving using just 11.7kWh of energy.