VW has released some more information on its electric plans. Look for an e-Golf to be launched in 2013. 93 mile range from a 26.5 kWh lithium battery pack. Similar to the LEAF or RAV4-EV, the car weighs about 3400 pounds, a few hundred pounds heavier than the gas/diesel versions. Around the same time, VW intends to have two other EVs on offer, a smaller e-UP, and a Jetta.
One interesting side-note: Many of us RAV4-EV drivers have become used to and supportive of an option to “free-wheel” when letting off the accelerator. Although Tesla and LEAF don’t incorporate such an option, it seems VW will. According to VW’s press release:
“…the Golf blue-e-motion – with its top speed of 140 km/h – … can even coast or “sail”. “Sailing” occurs whenever the driver adopting an anticipatory style of driving – releases the gas pedal, or more apropos: the electric pedal. As in the drive system of the Touareg Hybrid, which is being produced today, the motor is then is disengaged from the drivetrain so that the car can coast…”
[Source: PlugsandCars Blog via autobloggreen.com]
[Photo: Courtesy VW]
Posted by Marc Geller
