Ontario Rebate Alert: The 2019 Volkswagen E-Golf Has Amazing Range

Fun to drive, and the 200-kilometre range makes it practical for many. It’s all about range with electric vehicles (EVs), and the race is well underway to make them go as far as possible and to recharge as quickly as possible. This will only end when they have the same range and refuelling times as the gas-powered vehicles we’re all used to. Some EVs already have ranges of around 400 kilometres, like the expensive Tesla Model S and now the relatively affordable Chevrolet Bolt, but recharging still takes several hours at most chargers. The question today is: how much range do you need to suit your driving lifestyle? Volkswagen thinks a range of 200 kilometres is about right, and the new e-Golf has a battery that’s rated for 201 kilometres. It also has a 7.2 kW onboard charger, which allows a full charge from a regular 120-volt plug in just over 24 hours or, more realistically, from a 240-volt source in about five hours.

If you can find a Level 3 charger, it will give you a boost to 80 per cent full in less than an hour. Watch our video on what you should know about driving (and charging) an EV around the GTA. The e-Golf is already in its second generation. The previous generation was sold for the last two years in the U.S. Europe, with a smaller battery and shorter range, but VW Canada was waiting for the improved version before importing it here. 19,195. And while the e-Golf will be sold in Manitoba—with no rebates—it won’t be available elsewhere in the country. 23,945, and it drives just as well. It has the same predictably enjoyable European handling—in fact, arguably better, since its heavy battery pack is stored quite low and keeps the centre of gravity low. This means the cargo space behind the hatch is unaffected, so it’s still a practical little car. It’s quick and fun to drive and, in the B setting, it is set to create extra regenerative power when braking to help keep the battery charged. That regeneration is strong enough to act as a mild brake when you take your foot off the throttle, and the brake lights come on to warn drivers behind. Or just leave it on Drive and everything is much less obtrusive. The e-Golf is more than a fully electrified version of the standard budget car. It’s a vehicle in its own right that will give any small car a run for its money. 14,000, it’s a deal.

It takes less than six hours to charge the e-Golf on a standard 240-volt household outlet, while the optional DC fast charging gets the battery up to 80 percent in about an hour. Finally, Volkswagen includes its handy Car-Net smartphone app, with extended features for the e-Golf like the ability to monitor the charge state of the battery and locate the nearest public charging station. The e-Golf comes in just two trims, SE and SEL Premium. A reversing camera and a full complement of airbags come standard for the SE, while the SEL Premium trim tacks on front and rear parking sensors. The optional Driver Assistance package for the SEL Premium trim includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and a parking assistant. While the e-Golf has not been crash-tested, the traditional Golf earned a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Volkswagen e-Golf is a perfectly competent electric car with nominal range and inherent practicality. Kyree is new to the automotive journalism scene, but has voiced snarky public opinions about cars for quite some time. When he's not drooling over the latest European luxury sled, he's designing web experiences or writing backend code.

† Do not drive distracted when using in-vehicle connectivity and entertainment features such as App-Connect. Driver assistance features such as the rearview camera, Park Assist, Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control are meant to assist the driver only. Drivers must continue to perform checks before proceeding and pay full attention to the road. All prices are MSRP in Canadian dollars. 1,685 for all other models), levies, fees, optional equipment, license, insurance, registration, and any dealer or other charges, where applicable. Environmental or related levies and taxes may vary by jurisdiction. Dealer may sell for less. European or American models may be shown. Specifications, equipment, options and prices are subject to change without notice. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on the website is accurate, as errors may occur from time to time, customers should contact their local Volkswagen dealer for details. Photos for illustration purposes only. Some items, such as wheels, may be unavailable on some trim levels when vehicle is built or may not be available in Canada.