Volkswagen reveals details of Golf blue-e-motion

Volkswagen has revealed further details on its zero-emissions Golf blue-e-motion that is expected to arrive on the markets in 2014. The German brand will be giving the electric moves to the most successful European car ever built and making its way into the era of electric mobility.

The Golf blue-e-motion will be powered by an electric engine located in the front engine compartment with a maximum power of 85 kW / 115 PS and a continuous power output of 50 kW / 69 PS. Like all electric motors, the one featuring in the Golf also delivers a very high maximum torque instantly (270 Newton-metres). A lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 26.5 kilowatt-hours will be delivering power to the electric engine.

With today’s technology the Golf blue-e-motion has a driving range of up to 150 kilometres, depending on driving style and other factors (such as use of the air conditioning and heating system). Nevertheless, Volkswagen expects to significantly improve the range of its model at the car’s production launch.

The Golf blue-e-motion is able to reach a top speed of 135km/h and thanks to its aerodynamics (Cd value: 0.295) it is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.8 seconds.

The electric vehicle also has a system of energy recovery. When a driver releases the gas pedal the Golf blue-e-motion recovers kinetically generated energy by battery regeneration. The end result is that the zero-emissions Golf possesses enough performance potential to quickly execute manoeuvres such as passing.

The Golf blue-e-motion is charged via a plug connector behind the folding VW logo on the radiator grille.

There are three driving profiles available in the Golf blue-e-motion: "Normal," "Comfort+" and "Range+." In the "Comfort+" profile, the full 85 kW of power is available with the electric car being able to reach the specified top speed of 135 km/h. When using the "Normal" mode the power delivered is reduced to 65 kW and top speed is lowered to 115 km/h. In the "Range+" mode the engine controller limits power to 50 kW. In this mode the Golf blue-e-motion reaches a top speed of 105 km/h.