Volkswagen’s first fully-electric production car, the new e-up!, was revealed today at the Annual Press and Investors Conference in Wolfsburg, Germany, with the world premiere to take place later this autumn at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The all-electric up! will have a driving range of 150 kilometers (93 miles), with 30 minutes being necessary to recharge the batteries to 80 percent of their total capacity.
VW’s small EV is powered by an electric motor developing 60 kw (80 PS) of peak power and 40 kw (55 PS) of continuous power. Maximum torque is 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) and, as with all electric motors, is available at the first push of the pedal. This helps the e-up! reach 100 km/h (62mph) from a standing start in 14 seconds and reach a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph).
Energy (18.7 kWh to be exact) is provide by a lithium-ion battery integrated in the underfloor area, adding around 150 kilograms to the car’s overall weight of 1,185 kilograms (the standard gasoline-powered up! weighs 1,031 kg).
Aesthetically, the e-up! has distinctive exterior features including the curved layout of the LED daytime running lights in the front bumper (with matching fog lights layout at the rear) and unique 15-inch polished alloy wheels, similar to those seen on the 2009 e-up! concept car. The car also received subtle aerodynamic tweaks to the front end, side sills and underbody.
On the inside, the e-up! has light-grey seat covers with blue top-stitched seams, plus special leather and chrome accents throughout the cabin.
As an option, VW will offer the Combined Charging System (CCS), which supports both DC and AC charging, allowing drivers to “fill up” their cars at most charging stations.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
