First Spy Shots of Volkswagen E-Up Published

Jul 21 2011

The motoring press has published the first spy shots of the Volkswagen E-Up that is due for release in 2013 and by all indications many car loan buyers are going to love the little electric car.

In the spy shots the car was heavily disguised – it looked like a previous generation Polo.  Closer inspection, however, reveals the absence of exhausts and a blanked-off BlueMotion styled grille – clearly giving away the electric origins of the vehicle.

Volkswagen has been busy developing the all-electric E-Up for a couple of years already.  It first made an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago.

The company’s aim with the car was to provide drivers with an affordable zero-emissions car with a practical yet small body.  It will be powered by a series of lithium-ion batteries hidden under the floor panels.  These will deliver 80bhp (60kW) and 210Nm of torque.

The projected range of 80 miles (128km) might be the car’s weak point – by the time it is released there will no doubt be numerous small electric cars with a longer range.  Fortunately recharging time is very realistic – a quick charge will restore the batteries to 80% capacity in less than an hour.

One of the key features of the E-up will be its very useful 3+1 seating configuration that aims to make maximum use of limited space.  Volkswagen wants to keep the price of the car as low as possible, so there will be no unnecessary frills.

The company also plans a conventional petrol driven version of the Up model.

Author - Louise Hutchinson
 

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