Volkswagen unveils e-up! electric vehicle

German carmaker Volkswagen has unveiled the production version of the new e-up! electric vehicle (EV), ahead of its global debut, at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show slated for September 2013.

The E-UP! is based on the up! concept displayed at the 2007 Frankfurt Show. The E-Up! is specifically designed to boost Volkswagen's range of electric concept passenger cars.

The new four-seat electric car is powered by an electric motor generating an output power of 82PS and maximum torque of 210Nm.

The automaker's new EV can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 14 seconds, while achieving a top speed of 135km/h.

The lithium-ion battery, is housed in the underfloor area and stores around 18.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy allowing  the EV to cover about 150km on a single charge.

Also, the optional combined charging system (CCS) supports both DC and AC charging, allows drivers to charge their cars at most charging stations despite the power sources or charging rates.

Following its Frankfurt debut, sales of the new EV are expected to open in the UK in early 2014.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen said in a release yesterday, "Volkswagen is writing a new chapter in mobility in presenting its first fully electric production vehicle: the new e-up!. The four-seat car – which operates with nearly zero noise – is being shown at today's Annual Press and Investors Conference in Wolfsburg. The new e-up! impresses with its driving range of 150 km and excellent everyday practicality.

"Innovations that fascinate: the e-up! offers entry to a new pioneering vehicle concept with an electric drive and four seats. A car for daily use in the city - but it is also ideal for commuters or as an innovative second car. It can handle distances of up to 150 km effortlessly. Afterwards, the e-up! can be recharged to as much as 80 per cent of its energy storage capacity within 30 minutes."

With nearly zero noise, the e-up! is powered by an electric motor with 60 kW / 82 PS peak power – without any disturbing gearshift interruptions or powertrain noise. Its continuous power is 40 kW / 55 PS. Its maximum torque of 210 Newton meters is available immediately with the first revolution. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h within 14 seconds and reaches a top speed of 135 km/h.

The lithium-ion battery integrated in the underfloor area has a total energy storage capacity of 18.7 Kilowatt-hours (kWh); this means that the car can cover up to 150 km (per New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) ) on a single charge thanks to its low vehicle weight of 1,185 kg.

The port for charging the battery in the e-up! is hidden behind the ''fuel door''. As an option, the combined charging system (CCS) is used, which has been standardised by Volkswagen and other carmakers. It supports both DC and AC charging, so that drivers can easily charge their cars at most charging stations – regardless of the power sources or charging rates that they offer.

The styling of the e-up! is subtle and expresses high quality. One distinctive exterior feature is the curved layout of the LED daytime running lights in the front bumper. In addition, the front end, sills and underbody have been aerodynamically optimised.

The e-up! can be made out at first glance by its machine-polished 15-inch alloy wheels, Volkswagen emblems with blue backgrounds and an e-up! logo at the rear.

The vehicle's interior features e-up! light-grey seat covers with blue top-stitched seams. Special leather and chrome accents have been used to convey a puristic impression that matches the vehicle concept of a full-fledged urban electric car.

In autumn, the e-up! will celebrate its premiere at the International Autoshow in Frankfurt and will be available for sale subsequently.