The unique Volkswagen e-Golf featured a 20-kilowatt-hour usable battery, which was later upgraded to a bigger capability. Initially, this mannequin boasted an EPA-estimated vary of 83 miles.
Launched in 2014, the Volkswagen e-Golf aimed to compete within the mainstream electrical automobile market, throughout a time when the first-generation Nissan Leaf was main by way of worth. The e-Golf was outfitted with a 24.2-kilowatt-hour complete battery pack, notably missing lively thermal administration—making it appear somewhat restricted by at the moment’s requirements. In line with EPA estimates, the 2015 version of the e-Golf might solely handle a variety of 83 miles, elevating considerations about its feasibility, particularly in colder climates with none lively cooling or heating programs.
Nevertheless, the truth varies primarily based on consumer expectations. A video by EV tester Bjorn Nyland demonstrates that the unique e-Golf can nonetheless operate in trendy circumstances, even in low temperatures, offered the driving force is keen to cost regularly.
Nyland bought a 2014 e-Golf for about 40,000 Norwegian Krone, about $3,500, a beautiful worth contemplating the automobile has logged solely 85,750 miles (or 138,000 kilometers) on the odometer.
What about its vary? Nyland initiated his check with roughly 88% cost at a cold 12.2 levels Fahrenheit (-11 Celsius). The e-Golf indicated a variety of solely 51 miles (82 km) below these circumstances. After driving round 32 miles on the freeway at round 56 mph (90 kph), he hesitated to proceed, fearing he would not attain the closest charging station. Touring on nation roads proved advantageous, and he efficiently reached a DC quick charger.
By the point he had pushed 52 miles (84 km), the automotive’s dashboard recommended one other 7 miles (11 km) of potential journey. This section of the journey lasted one hour and 20 minutes, with a median pace of 39 mph (63 kph) and an vitality consumption fee of three.4 miles per kWh (or 17.9 kWh/100 km), which is commendable even by present requirements. In line with the DC quick charger, the automobile nonetheless had about 10% battery remaining.
Relating to battery degradation over this brief journey, Nyland assessed that the automotive at present has a usable capability of 16.7 kWh, down from the unique 20 kWh when new. A separate check carried out in 2023 indicated a usable capability of 17.7 kWh.
In proportion phrases, this particular e-Golf has preserved about 83.5% of its authentic battery capability—a good consequence, particularly contemplating the absence of an actively cooled battery pack. Nevertheless, with decrease capability over time, the automobile’s vary inevitably diminishes.
At simply $3,500, these outcomes are pretty spectacular. What do you consider this efficiency? Share your ideas within the feedback beneath.
Source link
