Short-distance electric car

How the VW e-Golf performs as a used car

(Bild: Volkswagen)

Buying a second or third-hand e-car? Many prospective used car buyers are unsure. With the VW e-Golf, which was on offer between 2014 and the end of 2020, they at least don't have to worry too much about quality.

Quality: The Wolfsburg electric car performs very well in the TÜV inspection and is significantly better than many combustion models. In the latest TÜV report, it is the winner in the compact class. The e-Golf passes almost all test criteria without any complaints. However, from the first main inspection onwards (this is the name given to the inspection sticker test in Germany), the function of the foot brake is weak. From the second inspection onwards, prospective used car buyers should check the axle springs and dampers; they are slightly worse than the class average.

Body and interior: The e-Golf is a derivative of the Golf VII and stretches to a length of 4.27 meters. The visual differences to the combustion engine versions are minor. The most striking distinguishing features are the electric car's C-shaped daytime running lights and a blue trim strip in the radiator grille. Inside, the e-version is also unmistakably a Golf, apart from the typical electric instrument display, with good seats, plenty of space, good workmanship and well thought-out ergonomics.

Slight compromises have to be made in terms of trunk capacity. Instead of 380 to 1270 liters, the e-Golf, which is only available as a five-door model, offers 340 to 1230 liters. The facelift models (mid-2017) stand out with modified bumpers and LED rear lights, among other things.

(Bild: Volkswagen)

(Bild: Volkswagen)

(Bild: Volkswagen)

(Bild: Volkswagen)

Motors and drive: There was no choice of motors or battery sizes for the e-Golf. At market launch, the e-motor produced 85 kW/115 hp. A 24.2 kWh battery was good for a range of up to 190 kilometers according to the NEDC standard. In the course of the facelift, the output of the electric motor increased to 100 kW/136 hp. Since then, the battery has had a capacity of 35.8 kWh, increasing the standard range according to WLTP to 230 kilometers. With an average consumption of just under 13 kWh, the Golf electric car is comparatively economical. The Vmax is limited to 140 km/h.

Anyone interested in a used car should have the battery of their preferred model checked; it should still have 70 percent of its original charging capacity. This means that between 100 and 150 kilometers are possible in everyday use, which is quite acceptable for short-distance drivers. The e-Golf can also dock at a fast charging station, but the maximum charging capacity is only 40 kW.

Equipment and safety: The e-Golf models were better equipped from the factory than the basic combustion models. Automatic climate control, heated windshield, aluminum, navigation system and automatic climate control were among the standard features. A heat pump was not included as standard; first-time buyers had to book this as an optional extra. The equipment with assistants was standard for the class; here, too, you could spend more and order a crosswind or blind spot assistant, for example.

Conclusion: The VW e-Golf is a solid vehicle, but prospective buyers should not be put off by the limited range by modern standards. However, if you are looking for an electric second car for short journeys, the e-Golf is a good choice. According to an analysis by mobile.de, there are currently just under 800 used e-Golfs for sale on this platform. Prices start at around 9000 euros. The price level seems to be higher in Austria: On Willhaben, the cheapest examples cost just under 12,000 euros.