Volkswagen e-Golf

The first ever electric Golf, the first edition of the e-Golf is propelled by a 114bhp electric motor fed by a 24.2kW lithium ion battery. This gives it a top speed of 87mph, reaching 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds. Interestingly, its time of 4.2 seconds from 0-37mph is quicker than a Golf GTI.

A conventional Golf adapted for electric power, the first e-Golf has a range of 118 miles on a single charge (although reviews have indicated that the reality is a rather less than this). To maximise this range, the early e-Golf comes three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Eco+ – as well as regenerative braking. It can be 80 per cent fast-charged in just 30 minutes with a full charge taking 13 hours from a domestic socket.

Specification-wise, this e-Golf offers LED headlights, a rear spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels whilst inside you’ll find a 5.7-inch touchscreen infotainment centre, climate control, electric mirrors and adaptive cruise control.

In 2017, Volkswagen launched an updated e-Golf combining strong performance and what was then its longest range yet. Central to the upgrade was a new, higher output lithium-ion battery increasing the energy capacity from 24.2kWh to 35.8kWh which the company claims provided a range of up to 50% longer than before as well as giving up to 15 kW (20 PS) more power. The battery of the 2017 version can be charged to 80% capacity within 45 minutes at a DC CCS charging station (40 kW) and when charged overnight or during the work day from a wallbox (AC,7.2 kW), the battery is ready to go again with 100% capacity in less than six hours.

Not only does the updated e-Golf’s new battery deliver a longer range, it also provides stronger performance. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 9.6 seconds putting it ahead of its then counterpart Golf 1.6 TDI. Top speed, where legal, for this e-Golf is now 93 mph (up from 87mph).

During the winter months, an optional heat pump helps deliver maximum range; this add-on module for the electric heating and air conditioning uses heat from both ambient air and the vehicle’s drive systems, significantly reducing electricity consumption. It can increase the e-Golf’s range in cold weather by up to 20%. This range can also be influenced by regenerative braking.

In terms of technology, the e-Golf has full LED headlights to standard Active Info Display and top-of-the-range gesture controlled Discover Navigation Pro infotainment system. As with the previous model, the latest e-Golf comes with e-Remote online services that allows owners to control starting/stopping battery charging and auxiliary air conditioning.

In the UK, the updated e-Golf (now closed to new orders) is available with five doors only, and in a single trim level that includes climate control, front and rear parking sensors, e-specific ‘Tilleves’ alloy wheels and Discover Navigation Pro satellite navigation, with colour touchscreen and gesture control.

In terms of safety equipment, the e-Golf showcases Volkswagen’s most advanced systems with Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist all fitted as standard.