Volkswagen Springfield Official Blog

This year gas prices aren’t expected to skyrocket in the same way they have in past summers, and so the talk of electric vehicles is quieter than usual. Volkswagen released the e-Golf this year as a stronger contender against other electric vehicles on the market, but with one caveat that can really decrease its chances of being the best option available: it’s only available in select states along the East and West coasts. Now we’re hearing word that more electric vehicles will be available in China, and we’re pondering the Volkswagen electric car options that we think should be made widely available in the U.S. too.  

In a sense we understand VW’s decision to offer a limited release. The U.S. is a large country (although China is too) and while charging stations are popping up everywhere, the process is a slow one. Asking Americans to not only purchase a vehicle, but install a 240V charger into the garage on top of that is a bit much, especially when 83 miles per charge is low for many people. We have plenty of rural areas here, and it’s just not a practical option for many people. Here in Springfield, for example, there are only a handful of charging stations, many of which aren’t easily accessed and none are high power stations.

Research: Fuel Efficient Options

So maybe electric cars aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t disappointed to learn Volkswagen is planning to release more than 20 different new options in the Chinese market. Rumor has it VW is planning to provide a wide variety of vehicles, including SUVs and plug-in hybrids. It seems part of the reason is that China is aiming to lower their Co2 emissions. Since they are one of the most polluted countries in the world, it seems this decision is more practical than simply saving a bit of cash at the pump, not that we’re saying that is the only goal of people going for electric, but it doesn’t hurt. Right now it sounds like their focus is going to be providing more hybrid options than full electric, but that’s an option missing in the U.S. as well. We’re hoping their focus on creating cars for the Chinese market will actually lead to more options here too.

Right now the e-Golf is not available in Missouri, so drivers interested in more fuel efficiency can jump behind the wheel of the gasoline powered 2015 Volkswagen Golf or choose one of the new clean diesel TDI  trim options such as the 2015 Volkswagen Passat.