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Garrett@EVC
05-15-2014, 03:18 PM
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Performance

The E-Golf is expected to sprint from 0-62 mph in just over 10 seconds. That beats the LEAF by about a second. Top speed is governed to 87 miles per hour.

For another point of comparison, the E-Golf employs an 85-kW motor compared to the LEAF’s 80-kW motor.

In our recent brief urban-only test drive, the E-Golf was sure-footed as we flung it into corners. All the needed power was delivered very quietly. The E-Golf has three power levels allowing drivers to optimize performance and range. In Normal mode, the E-Golf gives the driver a full 85 kilowatts of power, while the ‘Eco’ mode reduces peak power to 70 kilowatts and reduces the power consumption of the car’s air conditioning system. In “Eco +,” power is further reduced to 55 kW and the air conditioning system turns off. Even in restricted power modes, full power is given when the accelerator is pushed to the floor.

Efficiency/Range

The critical metric for evaluating EV range is the size of the battery pack, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWhs). Rule of thumb: a pack provides on average about 3.5 miles of range for each kilowatt-hour.

The E-Golf’s 24.2-kWh battery pack is right in line with similar EVs, like the LEAF and Focus Electric. That means you can expect about 75 to 85 miles of range on a full charge. We are highly doubtful of any reports saying the E-Golf will deliver 100 or more miles per charge on a regular basis.)

However, unlike the LEAF, the E-Golf uses a liquid-cooled battery management system, which should mean more consistent range throughout the year. Liquid cooling keeps batteries warm in winter and cool in summer—minimizing the impact of temperature on driving range.

One cool driving feature available in the E-Golf is paddle-shifters (on the steering wheel) to control the level of regenerative braking. Dialing the regen up or down affects how quickly the car slows down without putting your foot on the brake. Slowing down faster—the motor-generator applies a grabbing action—means that more of the braking energy is used to recharge the battery pack. The net result is more range.

The E-Golf offers four regenerative braking modes, designated as D1, D2, D3, and B. They progressively increase the amount of regenerative braking applied, ranging from a no-regeneration (or “coast”) mode in D1—to heavy simulated engine braking in B. Anything stronger than D1 illuminates the brake lights, the same way the lights would come on if you hit the brake pedal to warn drivers behind you.

Charging

Volkswagen promises that the E-Golf will have a 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger. That means it can fully take advantage of 240-volt home chargers supplied with 30-amp service. For all intents and purposes, this will add the same amount of miles per hour of charging as with the LEAF, Focus and most other EVs. Technically, the rate of recharging is about 10 percent faster—but it’s a negligible difference, especially when considering that most charging takes place overnight when drivers are asleep.

In addition to 240-volt charging, the Volkswagen E-Golf will offer Quick Charging as a standard feature—where historically it has been an upgrade option. VW is using the so-called “Combined Charging System” or combo-cord favored by German and American automakers—as opposed to the CHAdeMO fast charging port utilized by Japanese vehicles. The network of combo-compatible Quick Chargers is not nearly as wide as CHAdeMO, but this is expected to level over time (as many Quick Charger providers begin to offer two plugs).

It’s rare for EV drivers to depend on Quick Charging except in a pinch.

More info here - http://www.plugincars.com/volkswagen-electric-e-golf-blue-e-motion