Facelifted electric Golf finally arrives stateside
VW has introduced the updated 2017 e-Golf to the United States, and the big news is the EV now delivers a 50-percent longer range compared to the previous model year.
The 2017 e-Golf offers an EPA-estimated range of 125 miles (201 km) and an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of just $550 — based on a price of 13 cents per kilowatt-hour. The longer range is mostly due to the larger lithium-ion battery pack that now has a capacity of 35.8 kWh compared to 24.2 kWh on the 2016 e-Golf.
In addition, the 7.2 kW onboard charger is now standard on all trims, allowing for a recharge of the battery in less than six hours at a 240V charging station.
With improved battery, comes better overall fuel economy. In city driving, the EPA estimated fuel economy stays the same at 126 MPGe while highway driving and combined fuel economy improve to 111 MPGe (105 MPGe before), and 119 MPGe (116 MPGe before), respectively.
The 2017 VW e-Golf's electric motor has been upgraded as well and now develops 100 kW (134 hp), up from 85 kW (115 hp). Peak torque is up as well: from 199 lb-ft to 214 lb-ft. As a result, the e-Golf covers the 0 to 60 mph sprint faster than its predecessor, in 9.6 seconds. Top speed increases as well to 85 mph.
The model year upgrade also brings exterior styling tweaks including restyled bumpers, front fenders, headlights and grille on the outside, as well as interior updates such as the revised seat trim and decor.
Prices for the entry-level 2017 VW e-Golf SE start at $30,495 plus destination ($820), with the model eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. The base SE trim offers more standard equipment, including LED taillights, cruise control, an 8-inch glass-covered touchscreen display, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and the 7.2 kW onboard charger.
The better-equipped e-Golf Limited Edition and e-Golf SEL Premium start at $33,795 and $36,995, respectively.
If you're not satisfied with the 2017 e-Golf's increased driving range, you should know the folks from Kreisel Electric offer a bigger battery pack that boosts range to 200 miles.