The green car bug has apparently bitten Volkswagen of America as it will soon send out a grouping of electrified Golfs for fleet testing. Across a nine month period, 20 of the fully electric hatchbacks will be tested throughout the nation, twelve of them going to VW employees. The end plan for the testing is to gather feedback on how EVs deal with the rigors of daily use in various geographical regions. Factors such as climate conditions, driving patterns and energy performance will all be monitored to assist in the finalization of VW’s E-Golf.
“This E-Golf test fleet will provide critical feedback on these vehicles that will prove essential in our sustainability efforts and in the drive towards electric mobility,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. On the outside, the E-Golf looks like a normal, run-of-the mill five door German hatchback. Instead of a free revving and throaty straight four or gutsy diesel powerplant, under the compact’s hood is a high-torque electric motor. Powered by a 26.5 kilowatt-hours, 180 cell lithium-ion battery, the zero emissions VW puts 199 lb-ft of torque to the ground. It also has the ability to travel up to 93 miles on a full charge. Joining the fleet will be 220-volt charging stations for certain employee’s homes. This will allow for further testing of the heavy-duty charging system compared to the standard 110-volt method.
“During this test we will examine in detail all the technical and administrative aspects of typical consumers using electric vehicles on an everyday basis,” said Dr Rudolf Krebs, Executive Vice president and Head of Volkswagen Group E-Traction.
Source: Volkswagen
