With electric mobility being all the rage at the moment, 2013 has certainly been a good year for Volkswagen; kicking it off by launching the XL1 - the self-titled most fuel efficient car in the world - and finishing the year by releasing the e-up! - the world's first high-volume production all-electric car, (again, according to its maker).
As the e-up! nears its launch date, Volkswagen has revealed more detailed information about the drivetrain powering it. With a relatively low weight of 1,139kg including the 75kW battery pack, Volkswagen says that a real-world driving range of around 100 miles should be possible in normal temperatures. Recharging shouldn't take too long either, as a DC charging station can restore 80 per cent of the battery's charge in just half an hour; and the overnight charging cable for charging at home will restore full power in seven hours when combined with Volkswagen's Wallbox.
Also helping to keep the battery topped up is Volkswagen's energy recuperation system. Controlled via the gear selector, drivers can use the system to simulate engine braking whilst charging the battery at the same time. Leaving the car in 'D' mode gives no resistance and maximises range. Selecting 'D1' through 'D3' increases resistance gradually; and selecting 'B' will massively increase deceleration and restore maximum energy back to the battery.
"Pure electromobility will initially establish itself in cities and built-up areas and the electrified up! is the best vehicle for these environments," comments Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Board Member for Development at Volkswagen. "It is only 1,139kg, has a power consumption of only 11.7kWh per 100km and has superior aerodynamics and manoeuvrability. It is the ideal vehicle for pure electric mobility."
Anything else?
As well as the e-up! Volkswagen will also be launching the e-Golf in 2014. Both vehicles will help to contribute to Germany's plans of having one million electric vehicles on its roads by 2020 - a massive challenge considering the mere 52,000 that currently occupy the country.