Volkswagen today took the wraps off the “Space Up! Blue” concept car. For the most part, the vehicle looks identical to the “Space Up!” concept that was unveiled earlier this year, but it’s what powers the concept that is real story here. It features the world’s first high temperature fuel cell and an array of twelve lithium-ion batteries.
Volkswagen says the high temperature fuel cell (HT-FC) system is superior to prior fuel cell technologies because it offers: considerably lower weight, significantly greater everyday utility, substantially lower price, and therefore clearly the better chances of becoming a reality someday as a mass produced technology.
When the 61 hp electric motor of the car is driven exclusively by battery, a range of 65 miles is possible — enough to handle nearly all distances in downtown areas.
Energy is “refueled” either via an electrical outlet or by the Volkswagen high-temperature fuel cell. In the latter case, the car’s range is extended an additional 155 miles. This makes it possible to drive up to 220 miles on a single “energy charge”.
With a large solar panel on the roof, up to 150 Watts of energy can also be fed into the battery.
11/14, 11:54 AM
posted by:
TomF
I love the look and feel of the thing, but the interior doesn’t look mass-producible to me. Still, interested to see if and how it comes to market… it’d be a great second / commuter / urban runabout.
I expect Ford will have their version ready in the year 2076.
11/14, 12:10 PM
posted by:
Syrax
that built-in childs seat is a cool idea
11/14, 12:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
LOL @ TomF.
11/14, 12:43 PM
posted by:
richt62167
Tomf Ha!
Very funny and maybe they will call it the Taurus Wagon.
I think it totally cool looking
11/14, 12:50 PM
posted by:
CTS DRIVER
i like the looks of this better than the element.
11/14, 12:55 PM
posted by:
e46Ne90
this is the look vw needs to go for in their future lineup. instead of trying to be all emotional design like bmw/mercedes. very clean cut lines & architectural form with little bit of emotional surfacing on the bodyside. this vehicles screams german precision
11/14, 12:57 PM
posted by:
AU_354
This thing is awesome!!! They better bring this to the states!!! I love the reference to the Microbus… Yet they kept it modern! I hope the new management doesn’t screw this one up and can it for us… With the Smart car coming soon and the gas prices increasing constantly this would be a functional option! BRING IT HERE VW!!!
11/14, 1:04 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Cool technology. I hope VW takes absolutely NO styling cues from that concept, though. It could be powered by a ****in nuclear reactor and I wouldn’t drive it.
11/14, 1:07 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
richt62167: they’ll only rename it the Taurus after a couple of slow sales years under the Galaxy moniker.
11/14, 1:18 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
Taurus is taken, they’ll rename it the Escort. LOL!
11/14, 1:28 PM
posted by:
Mar Solo
No real need for a ’shifter’ on the floor column. And white for the interior is just screaming ‘ruin me fast’ by most folks (especially with dogs).
Other than that, the microbus look is good. If it was cheap enough, I’d add it to my auto arsenal.
11/14, 1:51 PM
posted by:
richt62167
CA36GTP
LMAO!!! or The Model T
11/14, 2:56 PM
posted by:
autonut
I believe that technology work when VW can drive it out of mexican factory. Until then I expect them to be in the same bucket as Edsel/Ford
11/14, 2:59 PM
posted by:
inline6
MUCH better-looking than the 2-door hatch version. I’d want one of these.
11/14, 3:00 PM
posted by:
LP640
GO VW GO !
11/14, 3:51 PM
posted by:
Firekyro
Or the Ford Tempo. Regarding the Up, i love it! Neat design and excellent technology that seems to me as if it should be rushed into production. Id buy.
11/14, 7:08 PM
posted by:
Elvio
nice looking car….
11/14, 8:00 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Let’s hope this time VW succeeds in building a reliable vehicle, something they desperately need right now.