e-Golf – All about car

Volkswagen of America has unveiled an electric version of the iconic Type 2 Microbus, fitted with the 134bhp powertrain from the e-Golf. The conversion was undertaken in collaboration with EV West, a Californian electric car specialist, with the aim of “showcasing the possibilities of the e-Golf powertrain to motivate classic VW models”. The van is visually unmodified, sporting its original raised stance, two-tone paint and minimalist interior, with obvious changes limited to the addition of a charging port behind the fuel filler flap and removal of the 59bhp air-cooled four-cylinder petrol engine. The e-Golf powertrain has been carried over largely unmodified, with Volkswagen claiming that the Type 2’s independent rear suspension setup “makes a perfect mate to the transverse driveline”. While the e-Golf achieves a WLTP-certified range of 144 miles, the converted Type 2 is said to be capable of only 125 miles, due to its increased weight and lower drag coefficient. The van’s four-speed manual gearbox has been removed to make way for the e-Golf’s single-speed unit, with the 35.8kWh battery housed in specially designed fireproof boxes under the front seats, where the fuel tank once sat. Volkswagen will also replace the Type 2’s analogue gauge cluster with digital dials to better allow the driver to monitor outputs and states of charge. In September, Volkswagen revealed an electric Beetle Cabriolet, created by conversion firm eClassics and powered by the 81bhp powertrain from the
Origin: Volkswagen electrifies classic Type 2 with e-Golf powertrain

Volkswagen has reduced the price of its electric e-Golf by £2765, resulting in a price of £27,575 after application of the Government’s plug-in car grant. This comes just days before the official unveiling of Volkswagen’s first standalone electric model, the ID 3. Prices for the MEB-based hatchback, which will offer a range of between 205 and 342 miles, are expected to start from around £25,500. The e-Golf was launched in 2014 with a 113bhp electric motor and an official range of 118 miles. An update in 2017 increased power to 134bhp, while a larger (35.9kWh) battery boosted range to 144 miles on the WLTP cycle. Geraldine Ingham, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “A sizeable price realignment only makes the e-Golf a more tempting proposition to buyers. After all, it’s a Golf – one of the UK’s most popular cars – but with all the added benefits and bonuses associated with electric propulsion.” Production of the e-Golf is set to come to an end as Volkswagen introduces the eighth-generation Golf later this year in order to avoid overlap with the ID 3. The new Golf will, however, be available in plug-in hybrid GTE
Origin: Volkswagen cuts price of e-Golf by £2765