(September 18, 2017) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen has announced pricing of the new e-Golf and upgrades for the fully-electric car including an increased range of 125 miles. The starting price for the e-Golf SE is $31,315 including destination charge.

Volkswagen is using an updated lithium-ion battery with an increased energy capacity of 35.8 kWh, up from 24.2 kWh. The revised battery helps increase the vehicle’s range from an EPA-estimated total range of 83 miles to 125 miles on a single charge.

The 7.2 kW on-board charger is now standard on all trims, which enables the battery to be charged in less than six hours at a 240V charging station. When equipped with DC Fast Charging (optional on SE, standard on Limited Edition and SEL Premium), the battery can be charged up to 80 percent within an hour at a DC fast charging station.

Improved battery chemistry also helps improve the overall fuel economy of the 2017 e-Golf. For city driving, the EPA estimated fuel economy is 126 MPGe; highway driving is rated at 111 MPGe; and combined city/ highway at 119 MPGe, improved over the 2016 EPA estimates of 126, 105 and 116, respectively.

The electric motor on the 2017 e-Golf has been upgraded as well. Where the 2016 e-Golf utilized an 85 kW electric motor developing 115 horsepower, the new 100 kW electric motor develops 134 horsepower. At the same time, the maximum torque of the electric motor has been boosted from 199 pound-feet to 214 lb-ft. The 2017 e-Golf runs zero to 60 mph faster than its predecessor — now in just 9.6 seconds — and its top speed increases to 85  mph.

In addition to these engineering improvements, the new e-Golf is wallet friendly. Based on 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, the EPA has estimated an annual fuel cost of just $550. A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is available for purchasers; dependent on state, additional credits may be available.

New styling inside and out modernizes the overall appearance of the e-Golf. New color options, restyled bumpers, front fenders, headlights, grille and décor head the stylistic changes, along with revised seat trim inside.

The value-oriented e-Golf SE trim now offers more standard equipment, including an 8-inch glass-covered touchscreen display, LED taillights, cruise control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and the 7.2 kW on-board charger. A DC Fast Charging package is available for $995.