Question for 2017-2019 Owners

[msvphoto]

What is your real world range working out to be?

We love our 2015 so much I am considering a 2017-2019 in addition but curious how much range to expect above what we have now. For example, could I make from Santa Cruz to Mendocino with just one DC fast charge mid way (~225 miles with a couple of hills)?

[slk23]

What is your real world range working out to be?

We love our 2015 so much I am considering a 2017-2019 in addition but curious how much range to expect above what we have now. For example, could I make from Santa Cruz to Mendocino with just one DC fast charge mid way (~225 miles with a couple of hills)?

It's basically 50% more range; at 70 mph I think 125 miles (to empty) is realistic. I wouldn't feel comfortable going more than 100 miles before charging, so in your example I would plan on making a couple charging stops. If you're going up Hwy. 101 that would work out with the last available DCFC station in Windsor, just north of Santa Rosa and ~95 miles from the town of Mendocino.

[f1geek]

I have been able to average 4.2 miles/kWh on highway 101 from Redwood City to Salinas (set cruise at 62 mph, minimal heat). So if I took the car down to 10% SOC, I think I could have driven about 120 miles. Since you have hills, I agree you should probably charge at about 100 miles or so of travel. I agree with the previous post. Have fun!

[johnnylingo]

I agree you should probably charge at about 100 miles or so of travel. I agree with the previous post. Have fun!

Don't forget that fast charging slows down after 80%, so this is another good reason it's better to stop to charge every 100 miles or so than try to stretch 110 or 120 out of a full battery.

Additionally, certain stations like NRG EVgo may have 30 minute limits. This is a real bummer because even at a 50 kW station, you'll have to return to the station and start a new session to get more than 25 kW pumped in to the battery. It's been driving the Bolt owners crazy.

[Thorallophon]

What is your real world range working out to be?

We love our 2015 so much I am considering a 2017-2019 in addition but curious how much range to expect above what we have now. For example, could I make from Santa Cruz to Mendocino with just one DC fast charge mid way (~225 miles with a couple of hills)?

After owning for almost a year, I'm finding I get around 200km in the summer and closer to 170km in the winter, less if it gets below -15*C. This is driving with a relatively heavy foot in normal and B mode. With careful driving I could probably tweak out an extra 10km, maybe more? So I guess that means between 105miles to 124miles.

As an example, I have a hilly 200km trip I do several times a year. I once did the whole trip on a single charge with luggage and 3 other passengers, but it was a cool summer day and the last half was in eco+ mode and drafting behind a transport truck (I don't think he liked it much given his frowny face at the end!). By the end, the GOM was flashing 12km left and plug the damn car in!

hth,
Jon.

[slk23]

Additionally, certain stations like NRG EVgo may have 30 minute limits. This is a real bummer because even at a 50 kW station, you'll have to return to the station and start a new session to get more than 25 kW pumped in to the battery. It's been driving the Bolt owners crazy.

EVgo now has 45 minute sessions, or 60 minute off peak (8pm-6am) with a membership ($9.99/month). With no session fee even the 45 minute limit isn't a big deal except in the case where the full 60 minutes is needed to go grab a bite nearby.

[Voltron]

What is your real world range working out to be?

We love our 2015 so much I am considering a 2017-2019 in addition but curious how much range to expect above what we have now. For example, could I make from Santa Cruz to Mendocino with just one DC fast charge mid way (~225 miles with a couple of hills)?

I seriously doubt it. At typical freeway speeds, the efficiency really drops. During my bay area commute, I find myself averaging 4.4 miles/kWh at an average speed of 35-40 mph. However, at 70 mph, I'm seeing about 3.5 miles/kwh, which translates into a usable range of barely over 100 miles.

[johnnylingo]

EVgo now has 45 minute sessions, or 60 minute off peak (8pm-6am) with a membership ($9.99/month). With no session fee even the 45 minute limit isn't a big deal except in the case where the full 60 minutes is needed to go grab a bite nearby.

Ahhh...so it's the account, not the station. That makes sense. I just converted to the ChargeNow program as of December 31st and that has the 30 minute limit too. But it at least gets me to 80%.

[JoulesThief]

What is your real world range working out to be?

We love our 2015 so much I am considering a 2017-2019 in addition but curious how much range to expect above what we have now. For example, could I make from Santa Cruz to Mendocino with just one DC fast charge mid way (~225 miles with a couple of hills)?

I seriously doubt it. At typical freeway speeds, the efficiency really drops. During my bay area commute, I find myself averaging 4.4 miles/kWh at an average speed of 35-40 mph. However, at 70 mph, I'm seeing about 3.5 miles/kwh, which translates into a usable range of barely over 100 miles.

As I have stated, many many times before, here, the e-Golf was designed as an urban street city cruiser... not a freeway or an autobahn burner.

Keep it under 40 to 45 MPH and drive it less enthusiastically, as a utilitarian piece of transport equipment, for function, not for fun, and your range expands almost two fold. The Germans designed it for efficiency, not for best or fastest lap times, or racing, or for closed course competition. An e-Golf is not really designed as a driver enthusiast's car, that roll is for the Golf GTI or a Passat SEL with a 3.6 V6.

[slk23]

Unless it's really cold, rainy, or there's a headwind I see 4.0 mi/kWh at @ 70 mph in my 2017.

I say drive it as suits your needs within reasonable limits. If you have to charge a little more often than the next guy then so be it.