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
Hope VW would make a real move on having most of their cars hybrid with plug in Volkswagen Parts. I would really love to see the Beatle running on electricity with no emission of whatsoever.
Bob,
Sounds like you should join or get a job at Plug In America.
Gentlemen, I have a very good idea how to exponentially increase EV sales in the USA, but I don’t know who to discuss this idea/concept with. Can you put me in touch with someone who can help me develop my concept and get us away from oil and combustible engines? The concept is simple, but entails obtaining cooperation from several organizations, all of which are usually good friends, but have diverging business interests; my concept is to bring them together and serve all of their diverse interests at the same time, to the betterment of all, plus the traveling public.