Volkswagen e-Golf charging guide: how to charge your electric car efficiently

The Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric car that combines comfort, efficiency and environmental friendliness. Whether you already own one or are thinking of buying one, a good understanding of the charging process will help you to make the most of your e-Golf. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at how to charge your electric vehicle, from the different types of charging stations to tips on the best charging speed. You'll learn how to save time and preserve battery life, as well as useful tips on finding the most convenient places to charge your Volkswagen e-Golf.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Volkswagen e-Golf review

The Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric car based on the legendary Golf. The latest e-Golf model was launched in 2017. This version has an improved range of 230 km on a single charge, which is up from 180 km in previous models.

The vehicle's maximum charging speed reaches 40 kW, which is relatively slow for a new generation of electric vehicles. However, since the e-Golf's battery is small (35.8 kW), this figure allows for a fairly quick charge.

Volkswagen discontinued production of the e-Golf in 2020, in part due to the launch of a new generation of electric vehicles such as the ID.3.

In this guide, we'll take a look at all aspects of charging your Volkswagen e-Golf, as well as useful tips for optimising the charging process so that you can keep your vehicle running efficiently.

Volkswagen e-Golf specifications

The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is equipped with a 35.8 kWh battery that allows it to provide a range of up to 230 km on a single charge - a significant improvement over previous models, which only had a range of around 180 km. The car has a top speed of 150 km/h, which allows it to comfortably cover both city and long-distance distances.

The e-Golf can accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds, which is a good performance for an electric car. This car offers excellent dynamics and stability on the road, making it a great choice for those who value both environmental friendliness and power.

It is also worth noting that the Volkswagen e-Golf is a significant step forward compared to previous models of this electric hatchback. Compared to earlier variants, which had less power and battery capacity, the 2017 model shows significant improvements in terms of both energy efficiency and charging speed.

VW e-Golf charging speed

The Volkswagen e-Golf is equipped with a 35.8 kWh battery. The charging speed of this electric vehicle depends on the type of charging station:

• AC charging (AC): The maximum charging speed is 7.2 kW. This is the standard speed for most household charging stations and is optimal for home charging or in the workplace.
• DC charging (DC): The maximum charging speed is 50 kW. This is the fastest charging available at specialised public charging stations that support the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard. Thanks to this, the e-Golf can be charged to 80% in 30-35 minutes.

Although the maximum charging speed is not as fast as some newer electric vehicle models, the e-Golf's battery has a small volume, so even at moderate speeds, charging is quite fast. For example, a full charge at the maximum charging speed (50 kW) will take approximately 45 minutes.

However, it is important to remember that regular charging of the 100% may reduce battery life. It is recommended that you do not charge to the maximum level more often than necessary. In addition, most electric vehicles, including the e-Golf, reduce the charging rate after reaching 80% to maintain battery health. This also helps to avoid overheating and reduce stress on the battery.

For best battery life, it is also important to avoid charging the battery to 0%. This can adversely affect the battery life, so it is recommended to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% for optimal performance.

Types of charging cables for VW e-Golf

The Volkswagen e-Golf uses two main types of connection for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging:

• Type 2 (AC)AC: This connector is the standard for alternating current (AC) charging and is widely used for charging at home, work or at public charging stations. In Ukraine, such charging stations are common and available in most major cities and on some major motorways.
• CCS (DC): this connector is used for fast and ultra-fast charging at specialised public charging stations. In Ukraine, there is already a network of CCS-enabled fast-charging stations, which allows you to charge your e-Golf faster.

The fastest chargers (over 100 kW) are available only at public charging points. In Ukraine, there are currently no stations with a capacity of up to 350 kW, but stations with a capacity of up to 120-150 kW are available in large cities and on major transport corridors. At the same time, the maximum charging speed of the Volkswagen e-Golf is only 40 kW, which means that even with ultra-fast charging stations, this car will not benefit from more powerful chargers.

Where is the charging port on the VW e-Golf?

The VW e-Golf's charging port is located on the right-hand side of the vehicle, directly above the wheel. This makes charging simple: simply plug in the charging cable and start charging.

If you use public charging stations, it's important to check whether registration or special access cards are required, as some networks require you to download apps or purchase an RFID card to access charging points.

How long does it take to charge the VW e-Golf?

The charging time of an electric car depends on the speed of the charging station you use. In Ukraine, there are various charging options available, from 2.3 kW to 350 kW, although 350 kW charging stations are rare, even in large cities. Since the maximum charging speed of the VW e-Golf is only 40 kW, it can be charged even when using slow chargers.

The charging speed also depends on the temperature of the vehicle, the energy load on the vehicle and the current state of the battery. In addition, most electric vehicles, including the e-Golf, reduce the charging rate after reaching 80% to preserve the battery. Charging to 100% or completely depleting the battery before 0% can damage the battery, so it is recommended to maintain a charge level between 20% and 80%.

We have calculated how long it will take to charge a VW e-Golf from 10% to 80% under various conditions:

2.3 kW

This connector is the standard for AC charging and is used for charging at home, work or public charging stations in Ukraine. Charging with this adapter is very slow, so it is usually used for charging overnight or between trips.

• Charging time from 10% to 80%: 10 hours 54 minutes
• Full charge time (0-100%): 13 hours 44 minutes

3.6 kW

This type of charger is also used for AC charging, but has a slightly higher power output. These charging stations are available both at home and at some public charging points. Charging at 3.6 kW allows the e-Golf to be charged in a moderate amount of time, especially when charging at home.

• Charging time from 10% to 80%: 6 hours 57 minutes
• Full charge time (0-100%): 8 hours 41 minutes

7 kW 

Charging at 7 kW is a middle ground between slow and fast charging. These stations are available at home, at work, or at many public charging stations in Ukraine. Charging with this power provides a fairly fast replenishment of battery energy.

• Charging time from 10% to 80%: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Full charge time (0-100%): 4 hours 29 minutes

7.2 kW 

At 22 kW stations, the VW e-Golf will charge at a maximum rate of 7.2 kW, which enables it to charge from 10% to 80% in ~4 hours.

• Charging time from 10% to 80%: ~4 hours
• Full charge time (0-100%): 4 hours 21 minutes

50 kW 

This is direct current (DC) charging, which can be found at most public fast charging stations. Given that the maximum charging speed of the VW e-Golf is 40 kW, even when using a 50 kW charging station, the vehicle will be charged at a speed of 40 kW. This charging allows you to quickly replenish the battery.

• Charging time from 10% to 80%: 37 minutes
• Full charge time (0-100%): 46 minutes

Charging stations with a capacity of 100-150 kW do not accelerate the charging of the VW e-Golf, as the maximum charging speed of the vehicle is limited to 50 kW.

Where can I charge my VW e-Golf?

There are three main places to charge your electric vehicle: at home, at work and at public charging stations. Each of these locations has its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you choose the most suitable place to charge your VW e-Golf.

Charging at home

Charging at home is one of the most convenient ways to keep your electric vehicle charged. To do this, you need to purchase a home adapter for the Type 2 connector or install a special home charging station.

Advantages:

• Convenience: Charging at home allows you to charge your car at any convenient time, including at night.
• Savings: Charging at home can be cheaper, especially if you charge your car at night when electricity is cheaper.
• Security: You know that your car is being charged in a comfortable environment.

Disadvantages:

• Slow charging: If you use a home adapter (2.3 kW), charging will be very slow and take many hours.
• High cost of installation: Installing a home charging station can be expensive if you want faster charging (3 kW to 7 kW).
• Power limitations: The home adapter operates at low power, so you may not have enough speed for regular charging.

Charging at work

Some employers provide charging stations for their employees. These charging stations can be either slow (3-7 kW) or fast (up to 22 kW), depending on the company and infrastructure.

Advantages:

• Convenience: Charging during the working day allows you to use the time when the car is idle to replenish the charge.
• Savings: Some employers pay for charging for their employees, which saves money.
• Free of charge: If your employer covers the cost of charging, it's a free option.

Disadvantages:

• Not all employers have charging stations: This is not always an affordable option, especially in small or medium-sized companies.
• Time constraints: You only need to charge your car during business hours, which can be inconvenient if you work in shifts or don't have access to a charging station after hours.
• Often for a fee: Even if charging is available at work, it may be for a fee, and the price may be higher than home rates.

Public charging stations

Public charging stations are available throughout Ukraine. They can provide various charging rates from 2.3 kW to 350 kW, although 350 kW stations are rare, with 100-150 kW stations being more common. They are ideal for charging on the go or when travelling.

Advantages:

• Fast charging: Public charging stations with a capacity of up to 50 kW allow you to quickly replenish your charge, especially when travelling long distances.
• Convenience for travelling: Public charging stations provide access to charging on major roads, which is convenient when travelling.
• Multiple networks: Many networks ensure safe and reliable charging and offer various mobile apps for convenience.

Disadvantages:

• Limited numbers in rural areas: Public charging stations are still not as widespread in rural areas of Ukraine, making it difficult to travel to remote locations.
• Price changes: Charging at public stations can be expensive, depending on the network and tariffs.
• Availability of additional applications: Some charging networks require downloading additional mobile apps or using cards to access stations, which can be inconvenient for users.

Depending on your needs and lifestyle, you can choose the most convenient way to charge your VW e-Golf. For daily use, it is optimal to combine charging at home, at work and at public charging stations for maximum convenience and time savings.

How to find a public charging station for VW e-Golf?

The number of charging stations for electric vehicles is growing in Ukraine, but not all of them offer the same charging speeds and tariffs. In order to find the nearest charging station for your VW e-Golf, you can use mobile apps that allow you to find stations by location, charging speed and available connectors. In Ukraine, there are already networks of public charging stations in major cities and on major highways, but in some remote regions, the availability of such stations may be limited.

Charge your VW e-Golf with ECOFACTOR

At ECOFACTOR, we specialise in the design, development and manufacture of charging stations for electric vehicles, offering drivers convenient charging solutions for every stage of their journeys. In our online store, you will find everything you need to charge your electric car - from AC stations up to 44 kW to DC stations up to 420 kW. We also offer a variety of cables and adapters to ensure maximum compatibility with your chargers and stations.

Using our app to iOS and Android, you can conveniently find charging stations near your location using maps of charging stationswhich will make travelling by electric car even more comfortable. Our app allows you to track not only the availability of charging points, but also the available tariffs, which will allow you to choose the most favourable options.

Charging at home and on the go

For the convenience of charging at home, we offer charging stationsThe VW e-Golf is equipped with home charging stations that allow you to charge your VW e-Golf right at your home or office. Using a home charging station will help you to ensure that your electric vehicle is always ready without having to constantly search for a charge on the roads. For those who are looking for mobility, we also provide mobile charging station options that you can take with you on your journeys.

Charging at public stations will also be convenient thanks to our app. Selecting the best charging locations will allow you to quickly find the nearest stations with the right power for your car.

Our online shop and accessories

Our online shop offers everything you need for electric car drivers - from charging stations cables and adapters to RFID cards for access to public charging stations. We offer accessories that ensure maximum comfort and safety when charging your VW e-Golf. All our devices are designed and manufactured in Ukraine, which guarantees high quality and reliability.

ECOFACTOR helps you to easily adapt to the world of electric mobility by offering not only charging stations, but also all the necessary accessories for convenient and safe charging at every stage of your journey.

Conclusion.

Charging an electric vehicle such as the VW e-Golf is an important part of maintaining its efficiency and extending the battery's life. Understanding the charging process, choosing the right charging stations and following the charging speed recommendations will help you to make the most of your vehicle's capabilities. With convenient tools such as the ECOFACTOR EV Charginfg app, you can easily find the nearest charging stations, choose the best tariffs and charge your car according to a convenient schedule.

Frequently asked questions