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additional levels—D@ and D3/B—that
provide increasing levels of regenerative
braking.
That said, Volkswagen puts the "real-
world" range for an e-Golf between 70
and 90 miles.
DESIGN. While the e-Golf exterior
resembles the engine-powered versions,
there are some variations (beyond the
obligatory badges). For example, there
are LED headlights used. These are
more energy efficient than Bi-Xenon
head-lights, and provide greater
illumination. This is the first use of
LED headlights on a VW in the U.S.
There are special 16-in. aluminum-
alloy wheels that are specifically
designed for improving aerodynamic
performance (and are surrounded by
low rolling resistance tires). There are
shutters behind the grille, underbody
panels, a rear spoiler, and air vanes
on the C-pillar. The e-Golf has a
coefficient of drag of 0.27. A non-e
has a coefficient of drag of 0.29.
Inside, the vehicle has touches like blue
accents (blue is a signifier of this being
an electric vehicle). And, of course,
there are changes to the gauges and
the interfaces in order to provide
information about energy use, state of
charge, etc.
The most notable thing about the
interior is what isn't there. Because
there is no engine, there aren't the
familiar noise and vibration that
exist no matter how well muffled or
otherwise attenuated. One result is
that wind and tire noise become all
the more noticeable, as well as non-
familiar noises from the electric motor
and accessories. So not only has VW
deployed extensive amounts of sound-
absorbent materials in the cabin, but
they've put the motor into a low-noise
housing and used a pendulum-style
subframe for the motor, which also
helps minimize noise generation.
REALLY GREEN. According to Joerg
Sommer, vice president of Product
Marketing and Strategy for Volkswagen
of America, each e-Golf will be carbon-
neutral for 36,000 miles. Even the
emissions related to the manufacturing
are being addressed for the e-Golf.
They are working with 3Degrees
(3degreesinc.com) which provides
carbon offsets through planting trees.
q The e-Golf engine is rated at
115 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque.
The "real-world" range is said to
be from 70 to 90 miles.