What's the news?
Volkswagen Ireland has just launched a special edition of the battery-powered e-Golf, aimed directly at the business and fleet car market. It's designed to take the maximum possible benefit from the recently-introduced price cap, the one that places a €50,000 price limit on any new electric car looking to claim the zero-rate benefit in kind (BIK) tax break for its owner.
By chopping the price of a big extra equipment package from €4,700 (the total value of the extra equipment) to €3,500 (the price of the Executive pack), Volkswagen Ireland has been able to keep the e-Golf Executive's price down to €49,495 - and that's before SEAI grants and VRT rebates are applied.
What extra equipment are we talking about here? Well, how about 17-inch 'Madrid' alloy wheels, LED tail lights with running indications, a full leather interior with Sports seats in front, Active Info Display (that's the all-digital dashboard), rear-view camera, heated front seats, tinted rear windows and keyless access.
Business buyers (or at least their companies) can also benefit from the Accelerated Capital Allowance, which means that they can write off up to €24,000 of the car's value in the first year, which basically means that any depreciation is covered up front.
According to Volkswagen Ireland, the e-Golf Executive is an "ideal solution for business customers wishing to start their electro-mobility journey and avail of significantly reduced running costs compared to petrol or diesel models. There is also the benefit of reduced toll fees, free public charging and in the case of some local authorities, free parking when charging."
Commenting on the new Executive Edition e-Golf, Volkswagen Ireland Brand Director Gerrit Heimberg said: "this is an exciting time for Volkswagen as we embark on the new electro-mobility strategy both here in Ireland and internationally. We have secured increased supplies of the e-Golf for 2019 and this new Executive Edition is for buyers wanting the 'ultimate e-Golf' while availing of the benefits of zero per cent BIK. Plus, all of these benefits come in a Golf, which is a car that has been loved by Irish customers for generations."