- VW Group CEO confirms interest in the return of the VW e-Golf
- VW’s head of design will “fight” for the new VW Golf Electric
- VW e-Golf in the U.S.
- Based on an EV platform
The launch of the VW ID.3 won’t result in the discontinuation of the VW Golf, at least not for another generation. This should ensure that it stays in dealer showrooms until around 2035. Volkswagen is likely to reintroduce an electric powertrain for the Golf as part of its transformation for the ninth generation, securing the Golf’s future.
VW Group CEO confirms interest in the return of the VW e-Golf
Oliver Blume, the CEO of Volkswagen Group, indicated at an all-new VW Golf EV recently, but he didn’t confirm it, probably as it is too early to talk about the next-gen Golf. He said:
The Volkswagen brand is currently examining how it can take icons such as the Golf or the Tiguan into the electric future.
Oliver Blume, CEO, Volkswagen Group (Extraordinary General Meeting 2022 on December 16, 2022)
Previously, in November 2022, speaking to Autocar at the 2022 LA Auto Show, Thomas Schäfer, CEO, Volkswagen, suggested the next-gen VW Golf EV could arrive as the VW ID. Golf and include a GTI variant. Retiring iconic names like Golf and GTI “would be crazy,” he said. At the same time, Volkswagen wants to stick with the ID. nomenclature for EVs, “but iconic models will carry a name,” he added. He stopped short of confirming an ID. Golf, saying Volkswagen “might have ID. Golf.”
VW’s head of design will “fight” for the new VW Golf Electric
This wasn’t the first time we heard of a new VW Golf Electric either. On February 21, 2022, YouTube channel Autogefühl posted an interaction with Klaus Zyciora, the Head of Design at Volkswagen Group, where he signaled the comeback of the VW Golf EV (VW e-Golf):
I will also fight for an electric, full-electric reincarnation of the Golf. Once the combustion age comes to an end, there need to be a VW Golf full electric.
Klaus Zyciora, Head of Design, Volkswagen Group (Discussion with Autogefühl’s Thomas Majchrzak on February 21, 2022)
Zyciora, a high-profile name in the field of automotive design, is behind the sixth, seventh, and eighth generations of the VW Golf, including the VW e-Golf that broke cover at IAA 2013 and was sold between 2014 and 2021. Michael Mauer will succeed him on January 1, 2023, and he will likely oversee the design of the next-gen VW Golf EV.
VW e-Golf in the U.S.
The VW e-Golf went on sale in the U.S. as a 2015 model in November 2014, starting at USD 35,445 (excl. USD 820 destination fee). Initially, the all-electric compact hatchback delivered an extremely low EPA-est. range of 83 miles from its puny 24.2 kWh battery pack. With facelift for the model year 2017, the EPA-est. range increased by 50% to 125 miles, thanks to the 35.8 kWh battery pack. It was considerably more affordable, too, with a starting price of USD 30,495 (excl. USD 820 destination fee). 2019 was the final model year for the electric hatchback.
The VW e-Golf is likely to return, but without the compromises in range, performance, and availability of the previous generation (pictured). Image Source: Volkswagen
Based on an EV platform
The previous VW Golf EV was a derivative of a gasoline-powered model, but the next-gen VW Golf EV will be a car designed and developed as an EV from the outset. Arriving in showrooms around 2028, the next-gen VW Golf probably won’t need an internal combustion engine variant in most markets.
According to Schäfer, there’s certainly room for a new Golf EV in the Volkswagen line-up. That’s because the ID.3 isn’t a Golf successor, “it is more a Golf Plus.” Simple and affordable, the Golf has always been the true people’s car in the Volkswagen range, and will continue playing this role when the company goes all-electric in Europe. The VW ID. Golf will probably slot below the ID.3 and sport simpler specifications and features to be cheaper and easier to use for customers who are on a tight budget and need a car that’s relatively traditional.
Volkswagen expects EVs to account for at least 70% of sales in Europe by 2030 and plans to only produce electric vehicles in the continent from 2033. In the U.S. and China, the company expects EVs to contribute more than 50% to its sales by 2030.
Featured Image Source: Volkswagen/Twitter
Sagar Parikh Web Editor
With a Master’s Degree in Business Management & Administration, I’ve been working as an International Automotive News Editor since 2014, and have gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into hybrid and electric vehicles.
Keyword: New VW e-Golf (VW ID. Golf) could be a cheaper alternative to the ID.3