The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is unveiled in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 17, 2016.LUCY NICHOLSON/Reuters
Volkswagen unveiled an updated version of the e-Golf at the Los Angeles Auto Show Wednesday, also announcing that the all-electric hatchback will be coming to Canada.
A new 35.8 kWh lithium-ion battery gives the refreshed e-Golf about 200 kilometres of emissions-free driving range on a single charge. That's up from 130 kilometres on the previous model sold in Europe. Volkswagen is also giving this e-Golf some more pep with 134 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque.
Arriving in mid-2017, the e-Golf will compete against the Chevrolet Bolt EV. The all-electric Chevy – awarded Green Car of the Year on Thursday – is set to arrive in Canada at the beginning of next year and will have an estimated range of 383 kilometres. It will also compete in the all-electric segment against the BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus EV and Kia Soul EV.
Related: Review: 2016 VW e-Golf perfect for city dwellers with short commutes
The e-Golf will be the first in its family to feature a new style for the front and rear with new lights. The interior is similar, but it comes with new infotainment features and the new Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.
The e-Golf can be charged in three ways:
- By a regular household outlet
- By a home or public Level 2 AC charging station
- By a public Level 3 DC fast charger. Volkswagen says this method can charge the vehicle to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.
The Ontario government plans to install more than 200 Level 3 chargers by the end of March.
No pricing has been announced for the e-Golf although it will be eligible for a rebate in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. It will make its Canadian premiere at the Montreal auto show in January.
We've redesigned the Drive section – take a look