Review: VW Golf 99kw e-Golf 35kWh 5dr

Reviewing the pure electric VW Golf

It is an absolute pleasure to showcase this brand-new addition to the e-car lease fleet – the VW Golf Hatchback 99kw e-Golf (a purely electric vehicle). As part of our commitment to electric car leasing, we have been changing our own fleet to electric solutions instead of combustion engines (no more petrol or diesel).

Moving forwards, we will be working closely with Manchester businesses and Manchester Council to provide clear information on the cars available and the funding products which can be utilised.

We have also partnered with GreenCarGuide, an electric vehicle review publication, to ensure customers are provided with the complete information they need to make an informed decision.

If you are based in and around Manchester and you need a free test drive of an electric car, speak to our team and we will be more than happy to allow you to drive and review our electric car fleet. In addition, we can show you how to charge a vehicle, plus discuss charging times and costs with you.

Clean Air Zones and Manchester - what is happening?

What is happening in Manchester which is making businesses change? Across the UK, local authorities and cities are having to respond to the Government’s obligations to remove air pollution that is breaching legal limits (in the short-term) and encourage improved air quality (in the long-term).

Studies across Manchester have seen an issue with both gases and particulate matter; 80% of which is caused by transport. This isn’t just about cars, this is about buses, coaches, taxis and vans too. A report has been created and must be finalised for the end of this year. TFGM are working with local authorities (Wigan, Trafford, Stockport etc) to consider solutions for making these changes.

As part of this, we will see more charging points being introduced into the region for use by cars and vans. While there are currently just 4 “Rapid” charge points, by the end of this year we should hopefully see around 25. Additionally, there is a focus to create 160 taxi-specific charge points across the region.

Do charge points work quickly enough?

Charging the VW e-Golf

The availability of charge points is incredibly important as this is often the main obstacle for many businesses making the electric transition. But don’t electric cars take far too long to charge? While this is an early concern for many personal and business customers, this does need clarification.

When you are looking at charge times, you need to consider both the rate the vehicle can charge coupled with the charge point being used. Each car has a specific battery size and a rate which it can be charged at – this is how you calculate charging times.

In this example, the e-Golf, you have a vehicle with a battery capacity of 35 kWh and a maximum fast charge power of circa 40kW. Based on this, you can see that if a charge point is able to input 40kW per hour, this will take 45-50 mins to fully charge a 35kWh battery. To provide further estimates of charge times on the e-Golf see below:

• A 3-pin plug (direct to source) will charge the vehicle in circa 15 hours;
• A “slow” home charge point 3.7kW will charge the vehicle in circa 10 hours; and
• A “fast” charge point at home/work of 7kW will take 5 hours.

For many customers looking at home charge points, a 3 or 7 kW solution will be offered. These are ideal for overnight solutions. For businesses, the 22kW fast charge points are an ideal product; indeed we are have used a 22kW setup at our premises via our energy partner Raw Energy. As you will see from the pictures, two vehicle can connect to the solution and enjoy up to a 22kW charge.

However, the speed will depend on the vehicle itself. For example, if it can only receive 7kW per hour, regardless of the speed of the charge point, it can only take this amount of charge. Some vehicles, for example, can use an “ultra-rapid” DC solution, which are anywhere between 50-150kW, and these can fully charge vehicles in under an hour. 

When you are speaking to your supplier or dealership, do check this with them as this will help you determine if the solution meets your needs and requirements.

Standard equipment for the VW Golf Hatchback 99kw e-Golf

In terms of the car shown, the Volkswagen GOLF HATCHBACK 99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric), this is based on the following configuration:

• Pure White Special Paint
• Zoom/micro cloth - Titan Black
• 16" Tilleve alloy wheels with anti theft wheel bolts
• Brushed dark silver decorative inserts in dash and door panels

As standard, the car includes discover navigation (8” navigation), green tinted glass, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, multifunction display, automatic windscreen wipers, post collision braking, EDL, Bluetooth, adaptive cruise control, stop/start system, bod colour coloured mirrors, electrically foldable and heated door mirrors.

DAB radio, body coloured externals, premium USB cable for either Apple or Android (need to identify which you need), 3D-LED tinted lights, dusk sensor, climate control, convenience pack, mirror pack, 60/40 split folding seats, XDS differential lock, immobiliser and an alarm. In terms of additional options consider – winter pack, front and rear carpet mats and ambient interior lighting.

The VW e-Golf Interior

Technical data on the VW Golf Hatchback 99kw e-Golf

For company car and business usersn please note the following technical information: P11d at £31,390.00 and CO2 at 0g/km. The 1-speed auto 35kWh battery will offer a range (WLTP) of 143 miles, 135ps and 0-62 times of 9.6 seconds. Based on home electricity costs, you will be looking at 3 – 4 pence per mile (£4 – £5 for a full tank).

So would the e-Golf be your select car leasing option? Or would the Hyundai Ioniq (EV), Peugeot 208-e or Kia e-Niro be your solution?

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