Volkswagen: e-mobility and sustainability; Part 1, the e-Golf and Golf GTE

In conjunction with its annual media and investor conference, Volkswagen is staging a two-week (8 - 21 March) e-mobility event at Berlin-Tempelhof. Although the company (both the brand and the larger Volkswagen Group) has been researching electromobility for a number of years; has previously outlined accelerating implementation of electric drive projects; and currently has two battery-electric passenger cars on the market (e-Up! and e-Golf) with other plug-in models following, the event marks a very large and public stake in the ground, in terms of defining the current and future importance of e-mobility for Volkswagen.

At the event, Volkswagen is presenting its new battery electric e-Golf, along with the battery-electric e-up! and a pre-production prototype of the plug-in hybrid electric Golf GTE. Although the other electric-drive vehicles are prominent, the focus is on the new e-Golf—the first electric version of the most successful European car.

Volkswagen is organizing the e-mobility weeks to inform politicians and policy-makers; journalists; dealers; fleet managers (70% of sales in Germany are to fleets); and the general public about present and future e-technologies and e-vehicles, as well as to make the case that, as one presenter put it: “e-mobility is at the heart of Volkswagen”.

Green Car Congress is attending the event as the guest of Volkswagen; the report will fall into multiple parts, with the initial reports first addressing the three specific e-drive plug-in vehicles highlighted at the e-Mobilitätswochen event, with subsequent reports addressing larger issues of sustainability, life cycle analysis, and technology developments.

The e-Golf

The Golf is core to Volkswagen; the company has sold more than 30 million units since the first introduction in 1974. The e-Golf is based on current 7^th generation Golf, itself based on the MQB toolkit. As the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture that underpins the new Golf A7 is so flexible, Volkswagen was able to integrate the lithium-ion battery in a space-saving frame in the vehicle floor, under the front and rear seats and in the center tunnel. Like the electric motor and the transmission, the battery pack was also developed in-house at Volkswagen and is made at the company’s facility in Braunschweig, Germany.

e-Golf driving impressions
We had the opportunity to take the e-Golf on about a 30 km circuit through Berlin; our preferred driving configuration was in Normal mode with B (maximum) regen.
The smoothness, quiet, handling and performance of the production e-Golf is markedly improved from the prototype e-Golf, based on the earlier A6-generation Golf, we had a chance to drive two years ago. (Earlier post.)
Handling is crisp with no sense of wallowing through corners, and regen is smooth while also being firm (especially in the B setting). Regen is not aggressive enough to provide a full “one-pedal” driving experience, but it’s close, especially in city traffic. Energy consumption for our trip (which included some highway time) was recorded as 14.0 kWh/100L. The cabin is free of even slight audible cues of earlier electric drives (light whining, fan noise, etc.).
In short, Volkswagen met its design target; the e-Golf drives like a Golf that happens to have a battery-electric powertrain, rather than a battery-electric vehicle that is labelled a Golf.

Key atributes of the e-Golf are its design for “everyday practicality, just like every other Golf” and its engineering for large-scale production. By leveraging the MQB platform, Volkswagen is able to manufacture different variants of the Golf—gasoline, diesel, CNG, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric e-Golf—“bumper to bumper on the production line.” This last attribute, Volkswagen believes, will give it a key differentiator and competitive advantage, particularly in terms of being able rapidly to expand electric drive offerings across its lines as market demand determines.

Our toolkits are evolving into a core innovation platform; with them, we can bring model variants, technologies and innovations to series production rapidly and flexibly. And they help us tune our vehicles more precisely to customers’ wishes.

For example, we will offer more and more models with the entire range of state-of-the-art drive technologies, from highly efficient diesel and gasoline engines, through natural gas-powered engines, down to pure-play electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. We leave it to our customers to chose the model they want to drive.

To start with, we are offering the e-Golf for this year, others will follow suit. Thanks to the toolkits, we are also in a position to respond quickly and flexibly at any time to new market trends or shifts in demand. In our Group, electric cars aren’t built in separate plants, they are made bumper-to-bumper with diesel or gasoline models. I am convinced that the big winner of the innovation cavalcade will be our customers.

In a few years time, you will be able to get almost every [Volkswagen Group] car as a plug-in hybrid. We have said for a long time that we will only enter into the market when we are certain we have fully mastered this technology, not just technically speaking but also market-wise.

—Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen AG, speaking at the annual meeting

Lifecycle analysis. Volkswagen has begun publishing summaries of lifecycle assessments for its vehicles. All information environmental ratings are checked and certified by the independent inspection agency TÜV NORD. The e-Golf’s CO₂emissions are reduced by 99% in the use phase compared with the 63 kW/85 hp Golf 1.2 TSI when “BluePower” (green electricity) is used. Over the full lifecycle, the e-Golf shows a 61% decrease in emissions.

BluePower energy comes exclusively from hydro-electric generating plants in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Cooperation and sales partners are the German company LichtBlick SE and the Volkswagen Bank.

Even if the e-Golf is run on conventional electricity—e.g. with the EU 27 electricity mix— its CO₂ emissions are still 26% lower over the full life cycle than those of the Golf VII 1.2 TSI.

CO2 emissions over the full life-cycle (t CO2e). Click to enlarge.

US launch. Currently on-sale in Germany, the e-Golf will be launched in late 2014 or early 2015 in the US. (All e-Golfs will be built in Germany for the time being.)

The e-Golf will come with an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty (against 70% capacity). A roadside assistance program will offer free towing 100 miles from customer’s home as a means of addressing range anxiety. A carbon offset program will be introduced covering the e-Golf from manufacturing and shipping through warranty period use. Volkswagen is also looking to implement a residential solar power incentive program.

Basics. The e-Golf is powered by an 85 kW EEM-85 synchronous permanent-magnet AC motor which develops 199 lb-ft (270 N·m) of torque. The e-Golf accelerates from 0 - 25 mph (40 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and from 0-60 mph in approximately 10.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 87 mph (140 km/h). The e-Golf has a range of up to 190 km (118 miles) on a single battery charge (24.2 kWh) based on an average energy consumption of 12.7 kWh per 100 km.

Three driving modes (‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Eco+’) and four levels of regenerative braking (‘D1’, ‘D2’, ‘D3’ and ‘B’) help drivers to get the maximum range out of each charge.

264 cells output 24.2 kWh. The e-Golf has a DIN unladen weight of 1,510 kg (3,329 lbs) (vehicle unladen weight with 68 kg driver and 7 kg of luggage, determined per RL 92/21/EEC: 1,585 kg); the lithium-ion battery accounts for 318 kg (701 lbs) of this amount and is located between the front and rear axles. It consists of 264 individual cells, which are integrated in 27 modules (each with six or twelve cells).

The voltages of the cells add up to a nominal voltage of 323 V. The total energy capacity of the battery is 24.2 kWh, of which a portion is reserved to prevent damage by excessively deep battery discharging. The front end of the battery is equipped with a Battery Management Controller (BMC). It performs safety, diagnostic and monitoring functions and also regulates the battery’s temperature in the Battery Junction Controller (interface to energy supply for the motor).

As in the smaller e-up!, there are various ways to charge the battery in the new e-Golf. The conventional solution is to use the standard charging cable and plug it into a 230-Volt mains socket. If they were fully discharged, the e-Golf batteries are then charged with alternating current (AC) from the mains at a power level of 2.3 kW in a maximum of 13 hours (100% state of charge of the battery).

As an option, Volkswagen offers a wallbox for the garage or carport, which charges at a power of 3.6 kW; this would fully charge the battery in around eight hours.

An available 7.2 kW on-board charger works with the CCS (Combined Charging System) for DC fast charging. In this case, the Volkswagen is charged at up to 40 kW of power from CCS charging stations; they charge the battery to 80% capacity in just around 30 minutes. In the e-Golf, the start time for charging—either immediate or with a programmed time offset—is activated by pushing a button on the charging plug under the “fuel door”.

Eco’ and ‘Eco+’ driving profiles. The e-Golf is equipped as standard with three driving profiles: ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Eco+’. The Volkswagen is automatically started in ‘Normal’ mode. For drivers wanting to extend the range, the first option is the ‘Eco’ mode. In this case, the electric motor’s maximum power is reduced to 70 kW, and drive-off torque is limited to 220 N·m. In parallel, the electronics reduce the output of the air conditioning system and modify the response curve of the accelerator pedal.

In this mode, the e-Golf can reach speeds of up to 115 km/h (in ‘Normal’ mode: 140 km/h) and accelerate to 100 km/h in 13.1 seconds (‘Normal’: 10.4 seconds).

In ‘Eco+’ mode, the electronics limit power output to 55 kW and drive-off torque to 175 Nm. At the same time, the accelerator pedal response curve is made flatter, and the air conditioning is switched off. The e-Golf now reaches a top speed of 90 km/h and accelerates at a slower rate. Nonetheless, drivers can still obtain full power, maximum torque and a top speed of 140 km/h in ‘Eco’ and ‘Eco+’ mode by kick-down.

Driver profile settings
Setting	Power output	Torque	Top speed
Normal	85 kW	270 N·m	87 mph
Eco	70 kW	220 N·m	72 mph
Eco+	55 kW	175 N·m	56 mph

Regenerative braking in settings ‘D1’, ‘D2’, ‘D3’ and ‘B’. In addition to setting a driving mode, driving range can also be influenced using the regenerative braking system. Drivers can choose from five levels: ‘D’ (no regenerative braking), ‘D1’, D2’, ‘D3’ and ‘B’.

In gear lever setting ‘D’ the driver taps the gear lever knob to the left to switch to ‘D1’ (1 tap), ‘D2’ (2 taps) or ‘D3’ (3 taps). Tapping the knob to the right moves down the D levels. If the gear lever is pushed to the right and held there longer, the electronics switch back to ‘D’ in one jump. The driver activates regenerative braking level ‘B’ by pulling the gear shift lever backwards. In an electric car, this number of levels leads to a different way of driving because it is possible to use regenerative braking to intentionally slow the vehicle.

Level ‘D1’ regenerates energy and slows down the car the least, while level ‘B’ has the strongest effect. At levels ‘D2’, ‘D3’ and ‘B’, the deceleration via regenerative braking is so strong that the brake lights automatically come on. However, if the battery is fully charged, no braking energy is regenerated. This also reduces effective braking power, which the driver can feel intuitively.

Volkswagen developed a special electromechanical brake servo for its electric cars. This optimizes the driver’s braking force in the same way that brake servos do in conventional cars. However, with the electromechanical brake servo this happens by what is known as ‘brake blending’—a process in which low levels of deceleration are produced solely through the e-motor’s braking torque. Stronger deceleration, meanwhile, is achieved by combining the braking torques of the electric motor and the hydraulic brake system.

Safety. The body shell now has 28% of parts in ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel, up from 6% on the Golf Gen 6. New safety features include standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which applies the brakes to stop secondary impacts in a collision.

Connected vehicle services and other features. The electrically powered Golf is the only model of the series to be equipped with the high-end Discover Pro radio-navigation system as standard. Its convenience features include the “Volkswagen Car-Net-e-Remote” app that lets users perform functions from a smart phone, e.g. to remotely start battery charging, activate the standard parking heating/cooling function (during the charging process) or access vehicle data.

Other features include the driving profile selector (“Normal”, “Eco”, “Eco+”), a heated windscreen and an automatic climate control system. Exterior features distinguishing the e-Golf include LED headlights and—a visual feature used to identify all Volkswagen cars with an electric or plug-in hybrid drive—c-shaped daytime running lights. All Golf cars with an electric motor also display a blue crossbar in the radiator grille and in the headlight housings (“e-design line”). Further features at no extra charge include LED rear lights and aerodynamic 16-inch alloy wheels.

Golf GTE

The GTE is not only a plug-in hybrid, it is also the third model in the GT (Gran Turismo) line, alongside the iconic gasoline-powered GTI and the diesel GTD.

Golf GTE in front of the hangar doors at Tempelhof. Click to enlarge.

The GTE shares the basic powertrain hardware with the Audi A3 e-tron PHEV; software controls will differ. The newly unveiled Golf GTE packages a 1.4-liter 150 PS (148 hp, 110 kW) TSI direct-injection gasoline engine with a 75 kW electric motor; combined system power is 204 PS (150 hp), with torque of 350 N·m (258 lb-ft). Using the electric motor alone, the GTE is capable of speeds of 81 mph (130 km/h); with the TSI engine as well, the Golf GTE can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds and on to 135 mph (217 km/h).

The Golf GTE offers combined cycle fuel economy (provisional) of about 157 mpg US (1.5 l/100 km) and CO₂ emissions of 35 g/km. Theoretical range is around 580 miles (933 km). Equipped with an 8.8 kWh Li-ion battery pack, the Golf GTE can travel up to 31 miles (50 km) in all-electric mode, depending on conditions. The battery weighs 120 kg, giving the GTE a total curbweight of 1,520 kg (3,351 lbs).

Volkswagen is optimistic about customer reception for the GTE, which combines the sporty driving dynamics of the Golf GTD (the diesel GT model; the gasoline-powered GTI remains a higher-end performance option) with the low-emissions potential of a plug-in.

There are no details currently available on market introduction or pricing.

While Volkswagen has large numbers of the e-Golf and e-Up! at Berlin-Tempelhof for test drives, it had only four GTE prototypes; driving time was thus limited. Nevertheless, based on a few rounds on the old Tempelhof tarmac, the GTE delivers on its sporty target.

With all-electric drive selectable from the console, the driver can cut out the engine altogether (state of charge allowing), and function simply as an EV. In this mode, the GTE cruised effortlessly through Berlin and onto a higher speed highway with ease.

Volkswagen launches the battery-electric e-Golf in Germany; “Das e-Auto”

The e-Golf shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January. Click to enlarge.

Volkswagen has launched the battery-electric version of the Golf, the e-Golf, in Germany with immediate availability. In launching the new e-Golf, Volkswagen is bringing the most successful European car ever onto the market as a full production electric vehicle. The e-Golf, sporting signature LED headlights, is available from €34,900 (US$47,796), including an 8-year / 160,000-kilometer (99,419-mile) battery warranty.

The launch of the e-Golf marks Volkswagen’s second electric vehicle brought to market inside six months; the first was the e-up!. The e-Golf features low power consumption of 12.7 kWh/100 km (the frugal e-up! offers power consumption of 11.7 kWh/100 km). As a comparison, the Nissan LEAF consumes 15 kWh/100 km (in accordance with UN/ECE Regulation 101).

The e-Golf’s electric motor delivers 85 kW / 115 PS and from a standing start develops maximum torque of 270 N·m (199 lb-ft). The high-performance 12,000-rpm motor and the single-speed EQ270 transmission form a compact unit: the EQ270 also incorporates an integrated differential and an electro-mechanical parking brake. The motor and transmission was developed in-house and is made at Volkswagen’s components plant in Kassel, Germany.

The e-Golf reaches a speed of 60 km/h within 4.2 seconds and 100 km/h after 10.4 seconds.

The Golf A7 was developed from the outset to be a battery electric vehicle. As the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture that underpins the new Golf A7 is so flexible, Volkswagen was able to integrate the lithium-ion battery in a space-saving frame in the vehicle floor, under the front and rear seats and in the center tunnel. Like the electric motor and the transmission, the battery was also developed in-house at Volkswagen and is made at the company’s facility in Braunschweig, Germany.

The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery accounts for 701 pounds (318 kg) of the e-Golf model’s 3,090-pound (1,402 kg) curb weight. It comprises 264 individual prismatic cells, which are integrated into 27 modules (each with six or twelve cells). Collectively, the cells have a nominal rating of 323 volts, with an overall capacity of 24.2 kWh.

Depending on the nature of the route, driving style and load, the range is between 130 and 190 kilometers (81 and 188 miles). More specifically, Volkswagen says, under the NEDC cycle, the range is 190 km (188 miles); practical range according to Volkswagen is the 130-190 km spread; and in winter operation, the range is expected to be 80-120 km (50-75 miles).

Under the slogan “electrified“, Volkswagen will be launching a series of e-mobility weeks in March on the site of Berlin’s former Tempelhof Airport. Volkswagen will offer a comprehensive overview of Volkswagen capabilities in the field of electrically powered motoring. From 14-16 March, members of the public can avail themselves of the numerous facilities on offer, such as test driving vehicles. The e-mobility weeks will be rounded off with public concerts in the evening.

VW readying long-wheelbase Up!

If you've noticed the trend in the automotive industry wherein cars seem to keep getting bigger, well you're not alone. For the most part. While some vehicles are getting bigger, most automakers engage in a vicious cycle wherein new models are developed to slot into the same segment left by the newly enlarged vehicle.

Take, for example, the Volkswagen Up! supermini currently offered overseas in three- and five-door bodystyles. It may be the size of an earlier Polo, but it's smaller than the current one. But even that is apparently destined to get bigger, too.

According to Autocar, Volkswagen is developing a longer-wheelbase version of the Up! for specific markets. We don't know which markets those are, but the Up! and its derivatives aren't sold in the US, and it apparently isn't destined for Europe or – contrary to what you might think – China, either.

As with most stretch jobs, the longer wheelbase is expected to benefit rear-seat legroom. Considering thatSkoda tends to offer lengthened versions of VW models, we wouldn't be surprised to see the stretch being applied to its Citigo twin, too.


News Source: Autocar

VW ready to have 40 EV models by 2018 if there is 'sufficient demand'

Last week, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled the e-Up! and e-Golf models, putting official faces on at least some of the company's longstanding EV plans. We say some because, as part of the Frankfurt barrage, VW started talking about a company-wide electrified line-up that includes up to 40 vehicles, "If there is sufficient demand." Say what you want about VW's late entry into the plug-in space, that's a lot of EVs, PHEVs and hybrids.

"We have everything we need to make VW the top automaker in all respects, including electric mobility, by 2018." VW CEO Winterkorn.

As was explained to us in 2010, Volkswagen has been making prototype and concept EVs for decades. As it has gotten closer and closer to releasing production EVs, VW has been talking more and more about its EV leadership intentions, saying in January thatit wanted to be the electric mobility leader. We've even been test driving the company's EV products – things like the Blue-e-motion(twice) and the XL1 – for years. We can also add in EVs from other brands, things like the Audi A3 E-tron plug-in hybrid and thePorsche Panamera S E-hybrid. But to put all the pieces together to the point where VW is the "market leader in electric mobility by 2018"? That's a challenge.

VW has said it hopes to have plug-ins account for three percent of its global sales by 2018, but it's going to start with 14 electric and hybrid models by 2014. In a press release issued last week, VW added that it spends more in R&D for electric mobility than on any other field and has trained 70,000 employees in the EV ways. VW CEO Martin Winterkorn even said, "We are starting at exactly the right time. We are electrifying all vehicle classes, and therefore have everything we need to make the Volkswagen Group the top automaker in all respects, including electric mobility, by 2018." It's not quite as inspirational as Tesla CEO Elon Musk's EV push, but it does show that the crumbs we've been following for years may lead somewhere quite intriguing. There's more of Winterkorn's speech below.

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News Source: Volkswagen

Frankfurt 2013: Volkswagen Promises Up To 40 More EVs And Hybrids

Hot on the heels of the official launch of the Volkswagen e-Up! and Volkswagen e-Golf electric vehicles, the Germany automaker has announced its intentions to offer up to 40 alt-fuel models in coming years. 14 of those alternatively-powered vehicles will hit the market in the next year.

While details of the e-Up! and e-Golf have already been released, Volkswagen is hot-to-trot on electric and hybrid vehicles all of the sudden. Perhaps it has sensed the shift in public opinion as electric cars are suddenly driving farther and costing less than the initial wave of EVs. Volkswagen CEO Martin Wintercorn said that the plug-in hybrids have the “greatest market potential” of alt-fuel vehicles, which could be a hint at the direction Vdub intends to go.

But Volkswagen isn’t focusing solely on EVs. Of those 14 alt-fuel models hitting showrooms next year, some will no doubt be gasoline or diesel-electric hybrids, while others could run on CNG, LPG, or even the “carbon neutral” eGas being developed by Audi. Also don’t forget the 261 mpg Volkswagen XL1 superhybrid, which though limited in scope could be an important car altogether. But Volkswagen is also demonstrating a keen interest in the pursuit of EVs, and should market demand increase, Vdub could find itself well-positioned to roll out more pure-electric models if consumers respond well. The 7th generation Golf could be an especially important player going forward, with EV sales catching on in places like Norway.

Nissan has already committed big time to electric cars, but other automakers have been wary of taking the plunge. Could Volkswagen take the lead among European automakers with a new wave of locally-made electric cars?

 Source: Automotive News

Volkswagen Unveils Production e-Golf

Volkswagen e-Golf will debut together with e-Up!

Volkswagen e-Golf in front of e-Up!

Today, Volkswagen unveiled its production-ready e-Golf, a vehicle that will have its world premier alongside the VW e-Up! next month in Frankfurt, Germany.

The electric Golf is based on latest Golf platform, but its electric drivetrain seems to be fairly similar to early Golf blue-e-motion prototypes.

The production e-Golf still utilizes an 85 kW / 114 HP electric motor with 270 Nm (199 pound-feet) of torque and a single speed transmission.

According to VW, the e-Golf will go 0-100 kph (62 mph) in a leisurely 10.4 seconds.

Maximum speed for this front-wheel drive, five-seat car is limited to 140 kph (87 mph).

The production e-Golf is equipped with 24.2 kWh li-ion battery pack that, together with the motor and gearbox, were developed and are made in-house by Volkswagen in Germany.

Range in NEDC should be about 190 km (less in real life of course – think 75 miles on the EPA). On average (in NEDC) e-Golf will consume 12.7 kWh per 100 km (62 miles).

For now, we know that e-Golf (like e-Up!) will have two driving modes (“Eco”, “Eco+”) and four “easy to activate”regenerative braking modes (“D1”, “D2”, “D3” and “B”).

Both new VW electric cars will have the option (probably not standard in base versions) to quick charge in about 30 minutes to 80% via DC CCS (aka combo plug). Charging times for the on-board charger haven’t been disclosed yet.

Volkswagen is saying that both models will be attractively equipped:

“Standard features: automatic climate control with parking heater and ventilation, radio-navigation system, windscreen heating, LED daytime running lights and, in the e-Golf, the Volkswagen brand’s first use of LED headlights.”

In summary, it seems that Volkswagen made the e-Golf to be close to Nissan LEAF in terms of range, battery pack size, speed and acceleration.  Yes, VW seems to be behind the times here.  Oh well, at least VW is getting on board now.

Pricing information has not yet been released.

Volkswagen will enter E-Up!, XL1 in this month's Silvretta E-Car Rally

The distance between Volkswagen's home country of Germany and Austria's Silvretta Electric Car Rally isn't that far, so the German automaker will use the event to promote its upcoming plug-in vehicles. VW will enter both the E-Up! battery-electric and the XL1 plug-in diesel hybrid concept in the rally, which takes place later this month. In 2011, the A1 e-tron, made by VW's Audi division, won the race.

The E-Up!, which VW showed off in March at VW's Annual Press and Investors Conference, has a single-charge range of almost 100 miles and a top speed of 80 miles per hour thanks in part to an electric motor that delivers 80 horsepower. The car can be fast-charged up to 80 percent capacity in less than a half-hour and will be priced, with the battery, at 26,900 euros ($34,500 US).

The XL1 will be produced in low volumes for leases only in Europe. The car gets the equivalent of about 260 miles per gallon from its somewhat noisy, yet sleek, demeanor. We liked our test drive earlier this year. Check out VW's press release below.

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Source: Autoblog

Electric Version of the VW up! Unveiled

As if the Volkswagen pp! wasn’t frugal enough, the engineers at VW have decided to create an all-electric version of the tiny city car: the e-up! This will in fact be Volkswagen’s very first production electric vehicle, and while it’s unlikely to make it to the states, it is a large step forward for the German manufacturer.

An electric motor will power the up! with 81 horsepower. While this is more than the normal 74 horsepower model, the electric version will be slower, owing to the additional weight of the battery pack. A 0-62 time of 14 seconds is slow whichever way you look at it, but it’s unlikely that up! buyers will have speed anywhere near their list of priorities. Top speed is just 84mph, but the car does have a respectable 155lb/ft of torque, which is available immediately.

A full charge of the 18.7kWh battery will give the little car a range of slightly more than 90 miles. This isn’t going to be any good for those who regularly drive over long distances, but it’s sufficient for those who use the up! for city driving. According to Volkswagen, 80 percent charge is reachable in just half an hour of being plugged in, which is quite impressive.

Looks wise, the e-up! will be mostly similar to the standard model. The main difference will be a slightly revised front bumper, and LED daytime running lights. The skirts and underside will also receive some changes, with the aim of improving aerodynamic performance. Alloy wheels are unique to the e-up!

Inside the car, there’ll be additional leather trim, with some chrome detailing. The little car has already been praised for having an upmarket feel, and it seems as though the all-electric version will be no different.

As of yet, there is no word on price, but orders will start being taken in autumn this year. With the standard model already very economical, prices are going to have to be very competitive to attract buyers. Many used standard ups are available with low mileage and extremely low prices on sites like Exchange and Mart, so it seems as though only those who can really live with the electric car’s limited mileage will be choosing it.

A great idea from Volkswagen, but we won’t truly be able to pass judgement until we find out what it’s going to cost.

Source: Gas2.0

New Volkswagen E-Up! debuts with 93-mile range, Combined Charging System

Excited as always, the new E-Up! from Volkswagen is making its debut today at the Annual Press and Investors Conference in VW's home town of Wolfsburg, Germany. But wait, you're saying, we first saw the E-Up! at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, so what's this "debut" that VW is talking about?

Well, this is the "first fully electric production vehicle," and there are some differences from the 2009 version in style (see the front fascia and wheels, for example) and substance (the earlier concept had a 3+1 seating arrangement, which this one is a more standard, if tiny, four-seater).

This new all-electric E-Up! has a 18.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers a range of 150 kilometers (93 miles, on the NEDC test) and has quick charging to get 80 percent of its charge back in 30 minutes. The port is VW's Combined Charging System (CCS) that supports DC and AC charging. With an electric motor offering 60 kW of peak power, the sprint from zero to 62 mph takes a lengthy 14 seconds, but once on the go, the top speed is 84 mph.

In 2010, there were reports that the E-Up! would someday be available in the US. Today's announcement doesn't say anything about North America, it just confirms that the new E-Up! will be shown at the Frankfurt show later this year, with orders opening up after the show. Want to know more about VW's growing Up! franchise? Read our review of the gas-powered model here. Not green enough? VW also offers the Eco Up!, which can burn natural gas for roughly 56 US miles per gallon.

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2013 Volkswagen E-Up! Headed For U.S. Market

Volkswagen E-Up!

The Up!, Volkswagen's ambitious new minicar, has not been earmarked for North-America. But in the most recent planning round, we find the E-Up!, also known as NSF BEV (New Small Family, Battery Electric Vehicle), scheduled to hit select U.S. cities for 2013. Technology and range are still to be determined, but the concept E-Up!, which debuted at last fall's Frankfurt auto show, featured a 60 kilowatt-hour electric motor and could go a distance of about 80 miles, per Volkswagen claims.

The electric vehicle will be the lowest volume variant of the Up!, which Volkswagen has billed as the spiritual successor to the original Beetle and projects at 600,000 sales annually in its initial production stage. Originally conceived as a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive urban runabout, plans quickly switched to front-wheel drive for cost and complexity reasons. The styling, however, has changed little from the concept first seen in 2007, so expect a slim wraparound air intake, a short upright rear end, and blacked out B-pillars on the outside combined with an ultramodern, Bauhaus-meets-Apple interior. Initially, there will only be two body styles to choose from: a two- and a four-door hatchback. Still to come are the Space Up! microvan and the Audi A2, which will use the same basic matrix.

Pricing for the EV is still up in the air, but the gas and diesel versions will go for between 8000 and 9000 Euro ($10,000 to $11,000). Not surprisingly, the base Up! is not generously equipped, but it's no Tata Nano either. Antilock brakes, stability control, and two airbags are said to be standard, though the bargain model lacks power steering, height-adjustable seats, electric windows, central locking and even a spare tire. The new baby Volkswagen surprises with its high-quality appearance, denoted by ultra-thin cut lines, top-notch materials and detailing good enough for a Passat. A low-cost version of the VW Up! may be built by Suzuki for distribution in certain low labor-cost markets like China and India.

Source: Automobile Mag