REPORT: Volkswagen bringing new EV concept to Frankfurt
VW Up! concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery
According to a report on Auto Express in the U.K., Volkswagen plans to debut a new eco-friendly car concept at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September that could potentially rival the Chevy Volt-based Opel Ampera in Europe. Unlike the automaker's previous green concepts like the hybrid Golf TwinDrive and diesel-powered BlueSport Roadster, the new and as-yet unnamed concept will be fully electric.
Beyond that, details are scarce. There's some speculation that the new EV may be based on the Volkswagen's New Small Family architecture that underpins the tiny Up! city car concept that was first seen way back in 2007, but that's not yet confirmed. In any case, the Frankfurt-bound electric vehicle is likely to use lithium ion batteries supplied by Toshiba.
Gallery: Volkswagen up! concept
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark 4:38PM (5/19/2009)
How strange, only until yesterday the VW CEO was dissing EVs as pie in the sky.
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Chris M 6:08PM (5/19/2009)
Yep, interesting how things change. Back in 2005, the GM CEO was dismissing hybrids, now GM has an entire line.
Well, of the major auto makers, that leaves only Honda without an official "plug-in" program, but since Honda is starting work on a line of "E-Bikes", it is only a matter of time until they join the parade.
required 4:38PM (5/19/2009)
VW has been moving forward very slowly.
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Sam 5:50PM (5/19/2009)
i guess red herrings come in all colors
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Angela 1:52PM (6/09/2009)
Hubby and I have about 5-6 years left in our current Jetta, so we've decided to hold off on another car until we can go electric. His car was my first VW, and I fell in love, so I've been hoping and wishing that VW would come out with an electric vehicle by then. This is the first encouragement I've seen!
If they don't do something, we might just convert the Jetta to electricity, and whoops, they lose a sale. . .
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