Golf Will Be VW's First Electric for U.S.

Volkswagen AG plans to being shipping its first American electric car, the e-Golf, to the U.S. in 2015.

The company says the electrified Golf will help expand VW's alternative-fuel offerings. More EVs will follow if there is demand.

The U.S. iteration of the e-Golf will have a range of 118 miles (190 km) per charge, according to VW. An optional fast charger can replenish the car's lithium-ion battery to 80% of capacity in 30 minutes. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds.

Until now, VW has counted on diesel engines in the U.S. as a fuel-saving alternative to gasoline engines. More than 70% of the diesel-powered vehicles sold in the U.S. so far this year are VWs.

CEO Martin Winterkorn said at last week's Frankfurt auto show that the company is accelerating development of hybrids, plug-ins and electric models and intends to be the global market leader in EVs by 2018.