MQB paves the way ahead of time. The seventh generation of the Golf – which was based on the technology of the modular transverse matrix (MQB) – was developed from the start to be implemented as a version with an electric drive as well. Based on the innovative variability of the MQB, Volkswagen was able to integrate the lithium-ion battery in a space-saving way in a reinforced frame in the vehicle floor (under the front and rear seats and near the middle tunnel). Like the drive system, the battery is also an in-house development.
264 cells output 24.2 kWh. The e-Golf has a DIN unladen weight of 1,510 kg (vehicle unladen weight with 68 kg driver and 7 kg of luggage, determined per RL 92/21/EEC: 1,585 kg); the lithium-ion battery accounts for 318 kg of this amount and is located between the front and rear axles. It consists of 264 individual cells, which are integrated in 27 modules (each with six or twelve cells). The voltages of the cells add up to a nominal voltage of 323 V. The total energy capacity of the battery is 24.2 kWh, of which a portion is reserved to prevent damage by excessively deep battery discharging, for example. The front end of the battery is equipped with what is known as a Battery Management Controller (BMC). It performs safety, diagnostic and monitoring functions and also regulates the battery's temperature in the Battery Junction Controller (interface to energy supply for the motor). When it is not being used, or in case of a crash, the battery is automatically switched to a de-energised state.