Wolkswagen has demonstrated the concept version of it’s E-Up! – a fully electric car which it says will be "the Beetle of the 21st century".
VW says that the car will have a maximum speed of 135 kilometres per hour and a range of 130 kilometres. Fully recharging from a standard 240 volt outlet will take five hours but quick charging to 80% capacity will only take one hour. Charging from the mains will be supplemented by solar panels in the roof and the sun-visors.
At 3.19 meters long. the E-Up! will be about 50centimetres shorter than the current Mini Cooper. It is designed to take three adults and one child. This is achieved by allowing the front passenger seat to slide forward of the driver’s seat, giving room for an adult behind the passenger but not behind the driver.
Volkswagen plans to keep equipment levels "frugal" – even ruling out electric wing-mirror controls – to reduce weight and cost.
The E-Up! is scheduled to go into mass production in 2013.
Source: Volkswagen press release
