2017 VW e-Golf SE starts at $30,495, goes 125 miles per charge

Volkswagen has announced the pricing for its 2017 e-Golf electric vehicle. The "value-oriented" e-Golf SE trim starts at $30,495. For 2017 VW has some significant changes for its electric car, most notably 50% more driving range than the previous model. The e-Golf can now drive 150 miles per charge.

VW says that the EV has 126 MPGe in the city and the estimated annual fuel cost for the electric car is $550. The longer driving range comes thanks to an updated lithium-ion battery pack with 35.8 kWh up from a smaller 24.2 kWh battery pack in the previous version. That past e-Golf could only go 83 to 125 miles per charge.

All trims now get the 7.2 kW on-board charger, when connected to a 240V charging station the car can fully recharge in less than six hours. A DC Fast Charging system is optional on SE and standard on Limited Edition and SEL trims and when fitted the car can be charged to 80% capacity in an hour at a DC Fast Charge station.

VW fits the 2017 e-Golf with an 100 kW electric motor that makes 134 hp and 214 lb-ft torque. That is an upgrade from the 2016 e-Golf that used an 85 kW 115 hp, 199 lb-ft torque electric motor. VW points out that the car is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit in the US.

The base SE gets an 8-inch glass-covered touchscreen inside, LED tail lights, cruise control, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and the 7.2 kW charger onboard. The DC Fast Charging option is $995. The next step up the ladder is the e-Golf Limited Edition starting at $33,795, and the SEL Premium starts at $36,995. None of those prices include the $820 destination charge.