Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Volkswagen Golf PHEV Hatchback
Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The automotive company currently has a number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on sale, to include:
- The all-electric VW ID.3
- The all-electric VW ID.4
- The all-electric VW ID.4 GTX
- The all-electric VW ID.5
- The all-electric VW ID.7
- The all-electric VW ID.Buzz
- The all-electric VW e-up!
- VW Touareg Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate
- VW Golf 8 Plug-In Hybrid
- VW Tiguan eHybrid
The Volkswagen Golf hatchback is the eight generation of the iconic VW Golf hatchback series. VW Golf cars have been sold since 1974. The Golf has won a number of prestigious motoring accolades over the past 6 decades. The latest iteration of this best-selling vehicle, the Golf 8, was launched in 2019 in Germany. The Golf GTE variant is a high-performance PHEV of the VW Golf and is built on the Volkswagen MQB platform.
The Volkswagen Golf PHEV is worth considering for those keen on a more affordable entry into plug-in hybrid electric driving. The VW Golf EV has much to offer in terms of practicality and financial savings. The VW plug-in electric car competes in a very competitive segment i.e. small-sized family cars. Despite the intense competition, the PHEV is well placed relative to the competition.
The VW plug-in electric car has a 13 kWh onboard EV battery with a pure electric range up to 65 km (certified WLTP). Though the real-world EV range will be lower, possibly between 55 – 58 km, the EV still offers a longer EV range compared to competitors in its segment.
The EV has a good value proposition for those keen to save money by driving on pure electric mode. Depending on where the cost of charging, driving an electric car will cost between 5 and 10 cents per km i.e. far cheaper compared to calling on the internal combustion engine (ICE).
The VW PHEV is not DC charging compatible (most PHEVs are not) and has a 3.6 kW onboard charger. Quite typical for a PHEV in this price segment. We discourage the use of a 3-PIN domestic plug for charging and encourage charging via a dedicated home EV charger. The PHEV can be fully charged in 3 hours and 40 minutes. Using a domestic 3-PIN plug will take up to 5 hours to achieve a full charge.
The real-world 32 miles (plus) electric range is sufficient for most of our daily needs. So for all the shorter commutes to the school, high street, grocery store etc, driving on e-mode is a perfect fit! Even, for those that drive to work, driving on electric mode works well, as the electric car can be charged at home and at work (workplace EV charging)! For those weekend getaways, the petrol engine can be utilised for the longer drives.
Bottom-line, if you are not driving electric, you are not saving money. Moreover, driving in e-mode also further improves the efficiency of the electric vehicle. Volkswagen claims the PHEV has a fuel economy up to 0,9 l/100 km for the Style variant. Real-world economy will certainly be lower, but substantially better compared to the conventional internal combustion (ICE) variant.
In terms of performance, the VW Golf PHEV delivers a decent experience. The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine is paired with an electric motor (80 kW). The front-wheel drive plug-in electric car can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7,4 seconds for the GTE. The top speed of the EV is 220 km/h. The total system performance is 204 PS and 250 Nm torque. Certainly suitable for city and motorway driving. Of course, do keep in mind that the EV also benefits from instant torque.
Though the boot space (273 L) has been reduced in size to accommodate the onboard EV battery, the PHEV is family-friendly in terms of practicality, offering adequate interior space, legroom and headroom. The EV has a good level of equipment and safety features. Depending on the variant, the following come as standard: lane assist, traffic jam assist, emergency assist, lane change system side assist, rear traffic alert and exit warning system, multifunction front facing camera for distance control, “Discover Media” navigation system, digital cockpit pro – 10.25″ high resolution and more.
The PHEV tailpipe emission are low (26 g CO2/km), compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant (176g CO2/km).
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| A practical and spacious family hatchback that is environment-friendly | Boot size impacted by onboard EV battery |
| Hot-hatchback power | Cheaper plug-in hybrid alternatives |
| Decent zero-emission electric range | Onboard charger limited to 3.6 kW |
Gallery
The Volkswagen Golf PHEV (credit: VW)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | Hatchback |
| Engine: | Petrol/Electric (1.4 TSI eHybrid) |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| Style (from € 45,220) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 13.0 kWh |
| Charging: | DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 21 – 26 g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 3 years or 90,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | € 2.10 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | € 2.78 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | € 2.87 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | € 3.14 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | € 3.37 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1484 |
| Width (mm): | 1789 |
| Length (mm): | 4287 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2630 |
| Turning Circle (m): | N/A |
| Cargo Volume (L): | 380 |
| Golf Style PHEV | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 13 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 65 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/km): | 13.7 – 14.7 |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 0,9 |
| Charging: | DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC |
| Top Speed: | 220 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 7.4 seconds |
| Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 150 |
| Max Power (PS): | 204 |
| Torque (Nm): | 250 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 1,590 |
| Colours: | 11 |
Air Quality: An Overview
If there is one common theme that unites many of us, it is the concern over worsening air quality in our villages, towns and cities. This concern is not unique to Ireland, but a narrative that is now firmly centre stage globally. The detrimental health consequences of higher pollution, in particular, on the vulnerable, like children and the elderly is significant, and well documented.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), the PM2.5 concentration in Ireland is currently 1.6 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline value. WHO has described air pollution as the ‘single biggest environmental health risk’, leading to an increase in the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
Electric vehicles and in particular, zero-tailpipe emission EVs, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), help improve local air quality i.e. a pure electric car does not have a tailpipe/ exhaust, hence, zero-tailpipe emissions! Without an iota of doubt, all types of EVs, to include, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are better for improving air quality, compared to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. We encourage all drivers in Ireland to migrate to lower emission electric driving.
| Type Of Pollutants |
|---|
| Particulate matter (PM or PM 2.5) |
| Ammonia (NH3) |
| Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) |
| Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) |
| Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCS) |
| Primary Sources Of Pollutants |
|---|
| Road transportation |
| Industrial processes |
| Farming and agricultural processes |
| Waste industry |
| Energy generation |
| Domestic burning |
| Other forms of transportation, such as aviation, shipping and railroads |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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