Should I Go for a Heat Pump or Less Mileage on a Used e-Golf

[Camilla1987NEV]

we used to have an e-Golf on lease until a few months ago, and now we’re thinking of purchasing a 3-year-old used one.

I’m torn between two options: getting one with fewer miles (around 10,000) or going for one with a heat pump but more mileage (25,000). My daily commute is around 80 miles, mostly on the motorway. From past experience, we struggled with range when temperatures dropped below 10°C.

What are your thoughts? Is it worth prioritizing the heat pump for cold-weather efficiency, or should I go for the lower-mileage option?

 

[f1geek]

we used to have an e-Golf on lease until a few months ago, and now we’re thinking of purchasing a 3-year-old used one.

I’m torn between two options: getting one with fewer miles (around 10,000) or going for one with a heat pump but more mileage (25,000). My daily commute is around 80 miles, mostly on the motorway. From past experience, we struggled with range when temperatures dropped below 10°C.

What are your thoughts? Is it worth prioritizing the heat pump for cold-weather efficiency, or should I go for the lower-mileage option?

I would go for the heat pump. My 2017 e-Golf has about 72,000 miles and is still in great shape.

 

[mpulsiv]

I haven’t not seen any data in respect to efficiency of SE model and SEL (e.g., with heat pump). Please share.

Assuming both models are 2019, mileage is irrelevant. Whether it has 10k or 25k.
My 2019 SE is pushing the needle to 85k miles.

 

[f1geek]

I haven’t not seen any data in respect to efficiency of SE model and SEL (e.g., with heat pump). Please share.

Assuming both models are 2019, mileage is irrelevant. Whether it has 10k or 25k.
My 2019 SE is pushing the needle to 85k miles.

I have seen reports of efficiency improvements on the order of 20%-30% as compared to PTC heating.

 

[mpulsiv]

I have seen reports of efficiency improvements on the order of 20%-30% as compared to PTC heating.

Data from reports sound optimistic. Assuming it was collected by e-Golf owners or general data from other car makers?

 

[UranoMausBosch]

Was your older eGolf lease with the smaller battery (pre-2017 model)? That would see more cold-weather impact on an already limited range car.
2017-onward eGolf had larger 35kWh battery with 125mi EPA range which would help a lot when temps get cold.
Most eGolf with heat pump are the SEL trim - leather seats, LCD dash, LED headlights, driver-assist features.
If it doesn't get that cold or cold doesn't last that long where you are or you are able to pre-heat cabin (L2 AC charger at home with departure timing) then the heatpump won't provide quite as much benefit.
As f1geek pointed out, 10-25k mi won't make much difference overall...

I went for low-mileage (around 10k mi) 2019 SE that didn't have a heat pump. Last winter my mi/kWh dropped from 4.3 to 4.0, or about 7-8% but I was charging level-one/110V so didn't have a pre-heat option. This year I've got an AC L2 charger that will let me preheat and defrost before I head out and I expect my 4.3 mi/kWh won't drop as much in the winter. (at 90% charge, 4.3 was 120-125mi range, 4.0 was around 110-114mi)

I'd suggest getting the best balance of what you want vs price - things like color, accessories (I like the Helix subwoofer that came with mine) and general vehicle condition. That way you enjoy it the most overall.