E-Up! Volkswagen unveils a zero-emissions vehicle!
Powered by an electric motor capable of delivering a peak of 81 PS (54 PS constant) and 154 lbs/ ft of torque channelling drive through the front wheels, the E-Up! can accelerate to 62mph in 11.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 84 mph we are told.
The E-Up! weighs 1,085kg – an impressively light weight when you consider that the lithium-ion batteries powering the vehicle account for 240kg.
The batteries have a capacity of 18 kWh which allows a theoretical range of over 80 miles. Through the use of proposed public charging stations 80% of the vehicle’s battery capacity can be made available within an hour (using a 230-volt domestic system would require a charging time of around 5 hours). This process is aided by a series of solar panels measuring 1.4m2 mounted on the roof.
The batteries are housed under the floor of the vehicle and are protected by a specially designed crash structure. They are kept cool by a series of heat exchangers. The entire system, including the electric motor, transmission and differential are said to be extremely compact, freeing up space inside the car.
The E-Up! can carry three adults plus a child. The total loadspace is 85l, rising to 320l when the seats are folded.
The innovative approach to the drivetrain and packaging is continued in the design of the interior. To reduce demand on the vehicle’s batteries simple mechanisms such as the mirror adjustment and windows are manually operated. These simplistic methods extend to the touchscreen HMI system which relays critical information to the driver ,including the amount of charge remaining and offers advice on nearby recharging stations.
Contact Details and Archive...