Volkswagen has launched the e-Golf pilot project in South Africa, which is the brand’s first step in its commitment towards electric mobility South Africa.

After Rwanda, South Africa is now the second country in Africa where Volkswagen electric vehicles are being introduced. VWSA welcomes a total of 6 fully electric e-Golfs to the country that will be tested by local media, selected dealerships and employees in an effort to gain insight into what it’s like to use and live with an electric car in South Africa.

In fact, Cars.co.za, will be testing the e-Golf extensively at our Head Office in Johannesburg, so look out for updates coming soon!

The e-Golf offers 100 kW and 290 Nm form its electric drivetrain which includes a 35.8 kWh battery. The e-Golf’s electric range is pegged at 190 km.

Apart from gaining knowledge and insight, the pilot project also aims to drive customer awareness and education regarding electric vehicles. The e-Golf’s will be deployed in Gauteng and the Western Cape and will also be used as shuttles and courtesy cars for Volkswagen customers.

"At Volkswagen, we want to democratise electric mobility and that is why the e-Golf pilot project is a key initiative for the brand. With the help of our dealers, we want to get as many South Africans as possible to drive and experience an electric vehicle as this is the future of our brand," said Mike Glendinning, Sales and Marketing Director for Volkswagen Group South Africa.

The e-Golf pilot project is the first of three phases that will eventually lead to the inclusion of electric vehicles in Volkswagen’s local product portfolio. The second phase is expected in 2021 when a full fleet of ID.3 electric hatchbacks will be included in the project. The third and final phase will see electric Volkswagen’s go on sale to the public in 2022.

For the moment, both the e-Golf and forthcoming ID.3 will not be on sale in South Africa.

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