Volkswagen’s first foray into the realm of all-electric cars is now making it world debut in (where else?) the only U.S. state guaranteed to have it. The 2015 e-Golf bowed this week at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, revealing a handful of significant exterior- and interior-design changes compared with the regular Golf, but also an entirely new, zero-emissions powertrain. The plug-in hatchback becomes the first VW in the U.S. to get standard LED headlights, as well as complementary C-shaped LED daytime running lights, a unique grille with blue accenting and aerodynamic 16-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires. Inside, the primary differences are additional blue accents and a power display in the instrument panel that shows the state of the electric powertrain; that’s in addition to a gauge that shows how much energy remains in the battery and a color display showing the range. Available upgrades include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux-leather upholstery and a touch-screen navigation system.
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The e-Golf’s electric motor uses a lithium-ion battery and makes 115 horsepower and 199 pounds-feet of torque. It’s teamed with a single-speed transmission and good for a 10.4-second zero-to-60 mph time and 87 mph top speed. The automaker says recharge time is less than four hours on a 220-volt outlet, 20 hours on a conventional household outlet and just a half-hour at a DC fast-charge station. Check out the photo gallery below; Cars.com photos by Evan Sears.
