After test driving the Volkswagen, VW E-Golf at the AltCar Expo, VW executives were eager to let us know that the first e-Golf would be auctioned. It has successfully raised $41,400, which will go towards the national environmental non-profit Global Green USA and its efforts to advance smart solutions to climate change.
Volkswagen E-Golf Auction
As the first VW electric vehicle (EV), E-Golf begins the journey to U.S. dealerships, the company announced today that its very first 2015 all-electric Volkswagen e-Golf was auctioned. Bruce Oberg placed the winning bid and claim America’s first Volkswagen e-Golf.
According to Oberg: “I am pleased to support Global Green USA’s work to build a more sustainable future, and am thrilled that I get to take home one of the first Volkswagen all-electric vehicles. I love driving EVs, I have enjoyed owning Volkswagens all my life, and I cannot wait to experience the e-Golf for myself.”
According to Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.: “Volkswagen’s commitment to e-mobility and sustainability runs deep. We could not be more proud that the e-Golf has helped raise money to benefit the efforts of Global Green USA, an organization that shares in our dedication to the environment. As the auction winner takes home VW’s first fully electric vehicle, we are eager to invite more consumers to the brand as our fun-to-drive, yet practical EV goes on sale.”
As to Global Green USA , President and CEO Les McCabe, Ph. D. had the following to say:”Alternative fuel vehicles, especially electric vehicles, have the potential to transform mass transportation in the U.S. – and globally – by drastically reducing pollution and oil dependence,” noted. “This collaboration centers on our shared commitment to helping urban communities improve air quality by dramatically reducing carbon emissions.”
Volkswagen E-Golf Test Drive
Our initial test drive of the VW e-Golf, which packs a 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, showed a very polish EV. While some might lament the e-Golf lacks a certain attitude, we feel this will win over those shy about EVs. And that is exactly what VW’s is trying to achieve with its strategy to enhance its powertrain, part of the company’s Think Blue sustainability initiative. Although on the expensive side of EVs at the moment, the $35,445 electric Golf handled like a regular Golf. You can also lease it for $299 a month on a 36 month lease, 36,000 Miles with $2,000 due at signing.
The e-Golf uses a 115 HP electric motor pushing out 199 lb-ft of torque. The e-Golf packs a generous 7.2 kW onboard charger, with the SAE Combo DC fast charging capacity standard. The e-Golf also rests on the company’s MQB, Modular Transverse Matrix architecture. The EPA rates the 2015 e-Golf at 126 city, 105 highway, with a 116 combined Miles per Gallon of Gasoline Equivalent, MPGe. To this day, the VW e-Golf becomes the most efficient car in the compact EV class.
Here is the official press release:
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive
Herndon, Virginia 20171
(703) 364-7000
www.media.vw.com
@VWNews
Media Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/4/14, 8AM ET
CONTACT: Darryll Harrison
310-773-6720
Darryll.Harrison@vw.com
VOLKSWAGEN E-GOLF RAISES MONEY TO BENEFIT GLOBAL GREEN USA AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CHARITY AUCTION
Winning bidder claims first VW electric vehicle as the car begins to ship to select U.S. dealerships
Herndon, VA (November 4, 2014) – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that the auction of the first 2015 all-electric Volkswagen e-Golf has raised $41,400, with proceeds benefitting the national environmental non-profit Global Green USA and its efforts to advance smart solutions to climate change. The winner of the auction, which ran from October 8–29 on CharityBuzz.com, became the first U.S. driver to own Volkswagen’s all-new, fully-electric vehicle.
“Volkswagen’s commitment to e-mobility and sustainability runs deep. We could not be more proud that the e-Golf has helped raise money to benefit the efforts of Global Green USA, an organization that shares in our dedication to the environment,” said Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “As the auction winner takes home VW’s first fully electric vehicle, we are eager to invite more consumers to the brand as our fun-to-drive, yet practical EV goes on sale.”
A long-time EV driver and Volkswagen fan, Bruce Oberg placed the winning bid, to claim America’s first 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf.
“I am pleased to support Global Green USA’s work to build a more sustainable future, and am thrilled that I get to take home one of the first Volkswagen all-electric vehicles,” said Oberg. “I love driving EVs, I have enjoyed owning Volkswagens all my life, and I cannot wait to experience the e-Golf for myself.”
”Alternative fuel vehicles, especially electric vehicles, have the potential to transform mass transportation in the U.S. – and globally – by drastically reducing pollution and oil dependence,” noted Les McCabe, Ph.D., President and CEO of Global Green USA. “This collaboration centers on our shared commitment to helping urban communities improve air quality by dramatically reducing carbon emissions.”
Introduced as part of Volkswagen’s powertrain strategy to offer highly efficient driving systems and as part of the company’s Think Blue.© sustainability initiative, the all-new e-Golf is Volkswagen’s first fully-electric vehicle, operating solely on an ultra-efficient 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. It produces zero tailpipe emissions, and requires zero trips to the pump.
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently rated the 2015 e-Golf , at 126 city, 105 highway, and 116 combined Miles per Gallon of Gasoline Equivalent* (MPGe), making the e-Golf the most efficient car in the compact EV class as determined by the EPA.
The e-Golf electric motor produces 115 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. With a 7.2 kW onboard charger and DC fast charging capabilities standard, the versatile electric vehicle will offer one of the largest interiors in its class. The new model combines the environmental and practical benefits of an electric vehicle with the fun-to-drive design of the Golf family, which is underpinned by the MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) architecture.
Volkswagen provides a holistic e-mobility experience to all e-Golf owners and has invested in carbon reduction projects that help offset the emissions created during the production, distribution, and use of the vehicle for the first 36,000 miles of driving. Available charging solutions from Bosch® and Chargepoint®, along with a new Roadside Assistance program and VW Car-Net® mobile app with e-Golf features, are designed to make owning the e-Golf a thoroughly reassuring, rewarding and enjoyable experience. Extra peace of mind comes with an eight year/100,000 mile battery.
The 2015 e-Golf will be available through participating VW dealerships later this month in the initial launch states including California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C. Pricing starts at $35,445 for the fully equipped SEL Premium model.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 649 independent U.S. dealers.
About Global Green USA
Global Green USA is dedicated to helping the people, places, and the planet in need through catalytic projects, transformative policy, and cutting-edge research. Global Green USA’s signature programs include greening affordable housing, schools, neighborhoods, and cities as well as rebuilding communities — such as New Orleans and areas of New York and New Jersey — that have suffered from the impacts of climate change, sea level rise, and environmental degradation. Global Green USA is the U.S. affiliate of Green Cross International, which was founded by President Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993 to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. For more information, visit globalgreen.org and follow us @globalgreen.
Notes:
The e-Golf vehicle will be available only at participating dealers in select states.
All prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.
Where stated, fuel economy values (MPGe) are EPA estimates. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, weather and temperature, battery age, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner’s manual for details.
Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.
The number of carbon offsets provided through Volkswagen’s carbon reduction projects is based on assumptions and estimates regarding emissions occurring from the manufacture, distribution and use of the e-Golf through the first 36,000 miles. As such, the offsets provided may not fully account for actual carbon emissions of the vehicle due to variations in electrical grid, source of electricity, vehicle maintenance and condition, actual driving habits and behavior, and other variables.
