Over the past two years, Volkswagen has rolled out several “Up” concept cars, previewing a slew of possible variants built on a common microcar architecture, many of which will eventually enter production. Today, the automaker introduced the latest show car in the series: the Volkswagen E-Up.
Powered entirely by batteries, the compact electric car will offer a range of 84 miles via its 18 kWh lithium battery pack. The sprint to 62 mph is rather sluggish at 11.3 seconds, but it’s important to remember the E-Up is an urban people-mover, first and foremost. Accelerating to 31 mph will take just 3.5 seconds, thanks to the motor’s 155 pound-feet of torque. Despite a lack of grunt at higher speeds, the car is capable of highway speeds — up to 85 mph.
Volkswagen Chariman Martin Winterkorn said the three-seat E-Up will likely enter production in 2013.
“To be a genuine success such an electric car must be affordable to a broad customer base and must be uncompromisingly practical in everyday driving. Only then, in high volumes, and ideally on all continents, can one truly speak of the beginning of the electric age in automobiles and a perceptible reduction of their environmental impact.”
Winterkorn said he expects it will take until 2020 at the earliest for electric cars to go truly mainstream.
The car’s 500 lbs of batteries are located low in the chassis, providing ample space for occupants and cargo. Despite the heavy batteries, the E-Up weighs just 2,387 lbs. This is due in part to the integrated drivetrain, which weighs just 308 lbs.
Charging would take around five hours from a 220-volt household outlet. A commercial charging station — for example a curbside charger — could cut that time to around an hour, VW says. Charging the car in Europe at typical prices would cost approximately $2.92 for 60 miles worth of juice.
09/14, 6:11 PM
posted by:
Samintosh
Simple, efficient and very cute… you pass little bunny…
09/14, 6:57 PM
posted by:
CiNO
It looks a lot like Korean car. Hyundai E Up. lolz
09/14, 7:38 PM
posted by:
VR6VW
Wow it’s definitely a V-Dub day!
09/14, 8:02 PM
posted by:
Hyperion
Looks good. Pretty close to the original concept. I’ll take mine powered by a gasoline/diesel/hydrogen or fully electric REAR ENGINE/MOTOR, RWD please, VW.
09/14, 8:04 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
The interior is very plain, but not boring. That’s kind of good.
09/14, 9:08 PM
posted by:
swamprat
60 miles for 3 bucks? That’s not that great.
09/14, 9:31 PM
posted by:
xcatchmyshadowx
cute car, definetly a huge winner in the markets of tomorrow.
09/14, 9:45 PM
posted by:
JSi
the tata nano is supposed to be 2 grand, i rather get this one if it is no more than 3 grand, much better than it’s indian counterpart…go deutschland !
09/14, 9:56 PM
posted by:
Borat
I think it is the first retarded interior out of VW. They known for form follows function direction of design and thinking, but not here. There are 2 display screens: try to keep an eye on one, much less two, and drive! Some HVAC funstionality is down where stick shift used to be: OK you want to get warmer air you have to look down away from the road. Exterior is typical VW, not a bad thing.
09/14, 10:14 PM
posted by:
Blue387
I like this car. It reminds me of a bite-sized Golf. The HVAC controls need to be up front on the dash and I’m concerned about how much leg room rear passengers get.
09/14, 10:20 PM
posted by:
Smegley Wanxalot
Buyers, get ready to Pone-E-Up at the VW repair center.
09/14, 10:26 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
If all goes according to plan I will be living no where near any major metropolis by the time Mr. Winterkorn’s 2020 rolls around. You see the problem- as usual- will be the sheeple who buy and drive these things. The same people whose lives are already so “crazy busy” (without a doubt the modern day catch phrase I hate the most) they barely have time to ignore their children. Most of them have a tough enough time remembering to charge their cellphones and Crackberries so what’s it going to be like when it’s their vehicle that dies because of lack of the most basic maintenance?
Do these things even have a neutral where you’re able to push them off to the side of the road?
09/15, 2:06 AM
posted by:
Suzhou
2013. not far away, I like the interior, which is simple, cute. definitely buying one.
09/15, 6:50 AM
posted by:
SomeGreek
Volt’s concept starts looking old. This is why other companies keep their projects hidden until few months before their presentation. See how many competitors have drawn the attention away from Gm’s car?
09/15, 7:37 AM
posted by:
Smegley Wanxalot
Johnny, responsible people who try hard will always make the time to ignore their children.
09/15, 12:04 PM
posted by:
ktulu
raise da roof
09/16, 3:08 AM
posted by:
loco667
Borat, two displays – one with a map, other showing your next manouver are already used in many cars. Nothing new here.
09/16, 8:48 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
VW, we need these to get those retarded scions, yaris and smart cars off the roads!!!
09/16, 8:52 PM
posted by:
reedfast
oh look, it the Smart4three