Consider this: the base 2015 Volkswagen Golf, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired to a manual gearbox, starts at $17,995. Assuming you were to avoid the GTI, the top-of-the-line Golf Hybrid SEL Premium stickers at about $26,000. Sound kind of expensive for a hatchback? Perhaps. VW has released pricing for its new 2015 e-Golf. Going green isn't cheap. For $36,265 (including destination), you can become the owner - in 10 US states - of a fully-equipped SEL Premium e-Golf.

However, buyers will also qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Power comes from a 24.2 kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 115 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. Depending on how one drives, the e-Golf has a range of between 70-90 miles. What's more, VW claims that 80 percent of the battery can be charged in just 30 minutes. For comparison, the Nissan Leaf has a range of 84 miles. The e-Golf also features a 5.8-inch touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, Sirius XM, heated front seats, LED headlights, and a rearview camera. It's a nice overall package but even with the tax credit, it's still a pretty penny to pay for a Golf.