Let’s face it; Not everyone wants an electric car. However, the auto industry is sharply switching to electric cars. In fact, many companies are vowing to switch only to electric cars within the next few years. One factor that limits many people against EVs is design cues. Most electric vehicles seem to have some kind of super design that screams, “Look at me, I’m electric!” For those who don’t want to attract that much attention, there’s the Volkswagen e Golf.
2016 and older e-Golf models are the cheapest
A quick look at Autotempest’s national listings for the Volkswagen e-Golf will show that 2016 and older models are significantly cheaper than newer models. There is a good reason for that. In 2017, Volkswagen improved the e-Golf’s electric driving range by more than 40 miles on a charge. Models from 2017 and newer are capable of 125 miles when charged, while 2016 and older models can only get around 80 miles. However, 80 miles is enough to transport most people.
If an 80-mile range is within reason for you, buying a 2016 or older model can save thousands of dollars compared to getting a newer one. However, you still get the benefits of e-Golf. Namely, design benefits.
Save for wheels (which can be easily replaced if you wish); The Volkswagen e-Golf is the lowest looking electric car ever. Mostly, the design remains identical to standard golf models. There is no clumsy and obvious difference in the front end. Sure, the grid is off as with most electric cars, but it’s left black, so it doesn’t stand out until you get close. From the back, if not for the e-Golf badge, one wouldn’t even know it was an EV. For many, this is a plus.
The design of electric cars is not for everyone. The truth is sometimes painful, but it needs to be brought up there. Many electric vehicles are a little eccentric in their futuristic aesthetic cues. If you love them, that’s great, but some people don’t.
Maintaining the theme of non-distinction, the Golf’s interior design is virtually identical to the standard. So much so that it actually has an engine start/stop button, which is a bit funny.
What does driving an e-golf look like?
As one might expect, it’s a lot like driving, well, golf.
Except for regenerative braking, which can be set by either setting the vehicle in Drive mode or pushing the gear selector back once to activate maximum regenerative braking; It’s a standard noise at Volkswagen. The interior is beautiful, albeit not to an excessive level of luxury. The seats are comfortable, and thanks to its electric motor, it gets just the right amount of punch from stopping. The acceleration, though, wears off after about 35 mph.
The cornering is good too. It’s not a GTI, but then, it’s not trying to be.
What is, though, is a great compromise for those looking to get into the EV game without also being, you know, EV about it. Whether or not you want a newer model for 40 more miles, you’ll likely enjoy the simple, unflashy everyday use of your Volkswagen e-Golf.
If e-Golf isn’t for you, keep scrolling to see more affordable EV deals!
Related: An electric Bugatti is here and you can buy it at Costco