German automaker Volkswagen still has a long way to go before it can leave behind the embarrassment and build a better reputation after its diesel emissions controversy, and one way of doing that is taking on a new road to redemption through the investment in all-electric vehicles. After all, it certainly looks like other major automotive companies have gradually jumped on the bandwagon.
Accordingly, the latest offering from Volkswagen is the 2017 e-Golf, which it boasts as a major upgrade to its lone entry to the electric vehicle segment. After a recent pronouncement that it will be producing at least two million of this vehicle by 2025, the embattled but proud brand seems to be on the right track by revealing that the original and underperforming 24.2 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery will now be replaced by a larger capacity 35.8 kilowatt-hour variant, thus extending the car's range to at least 124 miles per charge.
Another good news Volkswagen unveiled is that it is throwing in a fast charger as an option for buyers who want to give their 2017 e-Golf about 80 percent of the battery in one hour of charging. The regular full charge takes about six hours.
Furthermore, the electric motor, as expected, has been improved, particularly producing a much better 134 horsepower and torque of 214 lb.-ft. The added power comes hand-in-hand with several improved safety features, including automatic braking assistance, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring.
Inside, there is a new digital cockpit concept and amenities like multimedia entertainment through a 12-inch display screen, navigation, driving assistance, and more.
But no matter how improved the 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf has become, it's still up to the consumer to decide whether or not they're willing to purchase it even though it falls short of the range that the top electric vehicles in the segment offers. Both the Tesla Model 3 and the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt are expected to run at least 200 miles on a single charge.
