Volkswagen Charges Forward with Electric Testing for Its Golf

CANTON, CONN. (04/04/2012)(readMedia)-- Known for pursuing fuel-efficient diesels over hybrids and electric vehicles in recent years, Volkswagen has brought a small test fleet of all-electric Golf hatchbacks stateside, highlighting the automaker's new focus on battery-powered efficiency. According to Automotive News, the nine-month test trial is a prelude to the VW eGolf making its debut at Volkswagen dealerships in late 2013, giving fans of the brand their most efficient vehicle option yet.

Volkswagen is distributing the keys to 20 of its eGolf electric cars in Detroit, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., where the vehicles will be put through their paces. Volkswagen hopes to use the lessons learned during the trial to refine their first electric vehicle before it goes on sale, a tactic other automakers have turned to for their own electric rides.

"Volkswagen's TDI diesels have proven that they return fantastic fuel economy, but VW is always looking ahead into new technology," said Scott Dell, general sales manager at Canton, Connecticut Volkswagen dealer Mitchell Volkswagen. "They are doing their due diligence before entering the EV market, which means doing more than slapping some batteries and a motor onto a Golf and calling it a day. The eGolf has sophisticated features that have been unseen in electric vehicles up to this point."

While eGolf's exterior differs little from the 2012 Volkswagen Golf, the drivetrain is a bespoke unit comprised of an electric motor generating up to 199 pound-feet of torque, only eight pound-feet less than the sporty VW GTI, and a 26.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The result is a vehicle with a range of around 93 miles between charges. Also, innovative technology allows the driver to choose how much brake regeneration they want, helping to extend the eGolf's range when driving in hilly areas.

The eGolf isn't Volkswagen's only electrified vehicle on its way to market. A hybrid version of the popular Volkswagen Jetta sedan will arrive at dealerships in late 2012, where it will take the crown as the most fuel-efficient Jetta model. Powered by a new 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor coupled with a lithium-ion battery, the Jetta Hybrid will return an estimated combined fuel economy of 45 mpg without sacrificing much in the way of power and acceleration. In all-electric mode, the car will be able to travel for 1.2 miles at speeds up to 44 mph, a useful trick for short trips around town.

Unlike other hybrid vehicles that use a continuously variable transmission, the Jetta Hybrid will make use of Volkswagen's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. That drivetrain setup allows the engine to completely decouple at speeds up to 84 mph, which means greater efficiency while cruising down the highway or coasting downhill.

"With the Jetta Hybrid, you won't have to sacrifice style, comfort or performance to save on gas," Dell noted. "It's a hybrid that'll be easy to live with because it won't feel or act like a conventional gas-electric, and that should be really appealing for Connecticut commuters."

About Mitchell VW:

Driven by a customer-first mantra, Mitchell Volkswagen is a Canton, Connecticut Volkswagen dealership specializing in new and used Volkswagen sales, service and parts. With a wide selection of fuel-efficient VW models like the Passat and Golf TDI, the dealership has become a favorite stop for Hartford-area commuters. Mitchell VW's relationship with customers extends well beyond each sale as well, with a state-of-the-art service facility run by expert technicians. Visit their dealership at 51 Albany Turnpike (Route 44) in Canton or call them at 800-763-5616. They can also be found online at www.mitchellvw.com or on Facebook.