Volkswagen E-Up!

Volkswagen E-Up! all-electric concept car will go into production as three different models branded VW, Seat and Skoda.

VW’s electric E-Up! concept heads for production in 2011

At the Frankfurt motor show in September 2009, Volkswagen unveiled its latest iteration of the E-Up! all-electric concept model. Inspired by the Mk 6 Golf, this front wheel drive concept is much closer to the vehicle that will go into production in 2011. It is, according to VW, an evolution with a ‘distinctive face and clean, minimalist lines complemented by intricate detailing around the front and rear lights’.

The electric motor can power the E-Up! from 0-62 mph in 11.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 84 mph. The car weighs just 1085 kg – a remarkable achievement given that the lithium-ion batteries weigh 240 kg of that total. The batteries have a range of over 80 miles and can be charged at home in around five hours. VW says that ‘through the use of proposed public charging stations, 80 per cent of the battery can be made available within an hour’.

Housed under the floor of the E-Up!, the batteries are protected by a crash structure and are kept cool by a series of heat exchangers. The entire system, including the electric motor, transmission and differential, is extremely compact, allowing interior space for three adults and child to sit comfortably within a diminutive exterior envelope. Two adults can sit on the passenger side of the vehicle with the passenger seat mounted 50 mm forward than the driver’s seat. On the driver’s side there is a small space available for occasional use by adults or children.

Pioneering fuel cell concept may be road-going by 2020

As part of the Up! family of three small concept vehicles, Volkswagen is showing a Space Up! Blue model powered by a ground-breaking high-temperature fuel cell linked to a series of 12 lithium-ion batteries. The innovative power sources are linked to a rear-mounted electric motor developing 61 PS and 88 lbs ft of torque. The only by-product is pure water.

Production plans

The first Up!s will go into volume production at VW’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia in 2011. Expect three differentiated models under the VW, Seat and Skoda brands, each with three- and five-door versions.