All About Japan Autos

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the folks at Volkswagen were downplaying hybrid technology — opting, instead, to promote diesel vehicles in their product line that were capable of producing above-average fuel economy.

Now, “VW plans to bring electric vehicles to market in 2013, squarely in the second-wave modern electric vehicle category, with the Golf Blue-e-motion now scheduled for 2014 (earlier, VW said the e Golf would come out in 2013). A 500-vehicle test fleet, though, will start running next year,” according to German Car Blog.

2014, huh? Okay so we’re a few years away from having an electric Golf parked in the driveway. Still, the Golf Blue-e-motion packs a capable drivetrain for an electric vehicle. “Maximum horsepower for the Golf blue-e-motion comes in at 113-hp with a continuous power output of 68-hp,” writes egmcartech. “That allows 0-62 mph to come in 11.8 seconds with a top speed of 84 mph. On a full charge, the Golf blue-e-motion can drive a total of 93 miles.”

Don’t be fooled by the low horsepower. Edmunds points out, “Like all electric motors, the one in the Golf also delivers a very high maximum torque from a stop (270 Newton-meters or 199 foot-pound).”

The Golf Blue-e-motion has enough torque to get it off the line. That’s great, but driving range is likely a concern to any consumer shopping for an electric vehicle. Thankfully, the e-Golf, “lets the driver select priorities: maximum range, maximum comfort and maximum dynamics,” says Edmunds.

No word yet on price or markets where the Golf Blue-e-motion will be available. But with over 20,000 Nissan LEAFs already reserved, perhaps some competition will benefit consumers as electric vehicles begin to hit the streets.

In the market for a new car? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to check us out on Twitter.