VW Unveils Golf blue-e-motion Concept

The electric drive version of Volkswagen’s most successful model was introduced today in Berlin. The Golf blue-e-motion, scheduled to debut on the market sometime in 2013, was presented to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The car will join the Up and Jetta blue-e-motion versions, while the Lavida blue-e-motion will also launch in China.

The German carmaker aims to become the electric car market leader by 2018 and help the German federal government achieve its plan of having about one million electric vehicles on the streets by 2020.

"Starting in 2013 - the launch year for many new electric vehicles - the purchase of cars with zero-emissions drive systems should be promoted with a sustainability incentive,” Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of VW AG, said in a release.

“Each new recharging station will also reinforce the public's trust in the everyday utility of electric vehicles. Both of these components - state-funded incentives and infrastructure - are crucial and cannot endure any delay," he added.

The Golf blue-e-motion is fitted with an electric motor that develops with 85 kW /115 PS powered by lithium-ion batteries. The electric motor provides an instant torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft), while the batteries allow for a range of up to 150 km (93 mi). Top speed for the electric Golf is 140 km/h (87 mph).

The carmaker plans to manufacture a fleet of 500 Golf blue e-motion models for testing next year. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is also focusing on the introduction of new hybrid models. While the new Touareg Hybrid is already on the market, a hybrid version of the Jetta will debut in 2012, followed by the Golf Hybrid and Passat Hybrid in 2013.