First e-Golf Auctioned For Charity

Volkswagen of America has raised $41,400 by auctioning the first 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf.

Volkswagen said proceeds will benefit non-profit Global Green USA and its efforts to advance smart solutions to climate change.

The winner of the auction, which ran from October 8–29 on CharityBuzz.com, became the first U.S. driver to own Volkswagen’s all-new, fully-electric vehicle.

“Volkswagen’s commitment to e-mobility and sustainability runs deep. We could not be more proud that the e-Golf has helped raise money to benefit the efforts of Global Green USA, an organization that shares in our dedication to the environment,” said Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “As the auction winner takes home VW’s first fully electric vehicle, we are eager to invite more consumers to the brand as our fun-to-drive, yet practical EV goes on sale.”

SEE ALSO: Bosch And ChargePoint Partner With VW For e-Golf Charging

The winner of America’s first 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf is long-time EV driver and Volkswagen fan, Bruce Oberg.

“I am pleased to support Global Green USA’s work to build a more sustainable future, and am thrilled that I get to take home one of the first Volkswagen all-electric vehicles,” said Oberg. “I love driving EVs, I have enjoyed owning Volkswagens all my life, and I cannot wait to experience the e-Golf for myself.”

Introduced as part of Volkswagen’s powertrain strategy to offer highly efficient driving systems and as part of the company’s Think Blue. sustainability initiative, the all-new e-Golf is Volkswagen’s first fully-electric vehicle. The e-Golf is powered by a 24.2 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.

”Alternative fuel vehicles, especially electric vehicles, have the potential to transform mass transportation in the U.S. – and globally – by drastically reducing pollution and oil dependence,” said Les McCabe, Ph.D., President and CEO of Global Green USA. “This collaboration centers on our shared commitment to helping urban communities improve air quality by dramatically reducing carbon emissions.”

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently rated the 2015 e-Golf at 126 city, 105 highway, and 116 combined MPGe. Volkswagen stated this makes the e-Golf the most efficient car in the compact EV class as determined by the EPA.

The e-Golf electric motor produces 115 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque.

The e-Golf comes with a 7.2 kilowatt onboard charger and DC fast charging capabilities.

The 2015 e-Golf will be available through participating VW dealerships later this November in the initial launch states, which are California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington D.C.

Pricing for this EV starts at $35,445 for the Premium model. One sale was otherwise reported for the vehicle in October for the new model.

How it will do in the marketplace remains to be seen.