How does it compare?
Range
The VOLKSWAGEN e-GOLF offers a respectable range of 232 km (144 miles) from its 36 kWh battery. While adequate for city commuters, it trails behind the Nissan Leaf which boasts a range of 243 km (151 miles) with its 40 kWh battery. The Chevrolet Bolt EV leads the group with an impressive 417 km (259 miles) on a single charge, thanks to its 66 kWh battery. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric clocks in at 273 km (170 miles) from a 38.3 kWh power unit, and the BMW i3 delivers 246 km (153 miles) with a 42.2 kWh battery. Clearly, the e-Golf might make you somewhat range-anxious on longer jaunts.
Acceleration
Now, lets talk speed. The e-Golf journeys from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a leisurely 9.6 seconds. Compare this to the Nissan Leaf, which does it slightly quicker in 7.9 seconds, and the BMW i3 which zips along in 7.3 seconds. The Chevrolet Bolt EV will have you gripping the wheel at a zippy 6.5 seconds, while the Hyundai Ioniq Electric saunters at a similar pace to the e-Golf at 9.9 seconds. The e-Golf isnt going to win any drag races, but it’s more than serviceable for everyday driving.
Power
The heart of the beast, so they say. Under the hood, the VOLKSWAGEN e-GOLF cranks out 134 horsepower. Its a middle-of-the-road figure facing off against the Nissan Leaf at 147 hp, the zippy BMW i3 at 170 hp, and the robust Chevrolet Bolt EV packing a hefty 200 hp. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric brings up the rear with 134 hp, much like the e-Golf. Its adequate for the daily drive but not exactly a power surge.
Charging Time
Convenience is king with charging. The e-Golf reaches a full charge in about 5-6 hours with a 7.2 kW charger. A quick 80% top-up can be achieved under an hour with a 50 kW DC quick charger. By comparison, the Nissan Leaf also matches these figures closely. The Chevrolet Bolt EV, however, takes a longer time of 10 hours using a 7.2 kW charger, though it can charge up to 160 km (100 miles) in 30 minutes with a capable DC fast charger. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric returns to fighting form in about 6 hours with an AC outlet and 54 minutes to 80% with a fast charger, while the BMW i3 tops up in about 4 hours with a Level 2 charger.
Price
However, price could be the tipping point. The VOLKSWAGEN e-GOLF comes in at $30,495, approximately £21,950, or €25,750. It sits comfortably below the premium-priced BMW i3 which is almost $44,450, £32,400, or €37,800. The Chevrolet Bolt EV commands a sum of $36,620, around £26,600, or €31,100. The affordable Nissan Leaf is priced at $31,670, £22,800, or €26,800. Lastly, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric strikes a solid balance at $33,245, £23,600, or €28,050.
So, as we see, the VOLKSWAGEN e-GOLF is a decently priced, reliable urban hatchback adept with city driving, albeit slightly hampered by its range and power compared to faster, more powerful competitors. What it lacks in sheer muscle and marathon endurance, it makes up for with German engineering finesse and a consumer-friendly price tag. It’s all about finding the right balance for your electric journey.
