Frankfurt Auto Show: VW E-Up! Concept

The 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show witnessed the introduction of a brand new concept developed by Volkswagen, the so-called E-Up! concept powered by an electric motor. Just as its name suggests, the car is based on the yet-to-be-released VW Up city car range but, compared with the base model, it incorporates an electric unit and a 18 kWh lithium-ion battery. Dimensions of the E-Up! are 3.19 meters (length) x 1.64 meters (width) x 1.47 meters (height). Its wheelbase is 2.19 meters.

Specifically, the 3+1 seater's powertrain develops 60 kW/80 hp (continuous power of 40 kW) and 210 Nm of torque. This means the electric concept is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds, while reaching 50 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

The roof of the car features solar cells covering an area of 1.4 square meters (or 1.7 square meters if the driver chooses to fold down the sun visors, also equipped with solar cells). The solar roof has an innovative use as it supplies energy to the car's electrical system and, in case the car is parked, it powers the ventilation system.

Inside, the electric vehicle comes with a touch-screen HMI (Human Machine Interface) with new indicators and assistance functions. The system continuously monitors the battery level and even provides data regarding the available charging stations. And speaking of recharging, the battery can be easily restored via a 230-Volt household outlet, with approximately 80 percent of the capacity to be recharged in one hour.

"The E-Up! is characterized by a reduced, very clear and yet highly emotional design. The new concept is therefore very much in harmony with its stylistic ‘siblings’ of the New Small Family, the Roadster BlueSport and the new Polo," Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer of Volkswagen Brand, said.

Volkswagen says the E-Up concept is projected to enter mass-production in 2013.