Volkswagen ‘e-up!’ EV debuts with 93-mile range and trick charging system

By Stephen Edelstein March 16, 2013

Volkswagen is ready to launch the production version of its e-up! electric car.

VW will be showing the tiny EV at its Annual Press and Investors Conference in Wolfsburg, Germany before a public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The e-up! is based on Volkswagen’s up! city car, a tiny hatchback that shares motorcycle parking spaces with the Scion/Toyota iQ and smart fortwo. Unlike those fashion accessories, the up! is available with four doors, making it a true four-seater.

Motivation comes from an 80 horsepower electric motor and 18.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Volkswagen says the e-up! will do 0 to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in 14 seconds and reach a top speed of 84 mph. So the e-up! isn’t really a Tesla Model S competitor.

Still, the VW wouldn’t embarrass itself in a slow-motion drag race with the equally small Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which does 0 to 60 mph in 13 seconds and has an 80 mph top speed.

Unlike its performance, the e-up!’s range should impress. Volkswagen says it will go 93 miles on a charge, a big increase over the 80-mile range quoted in early reports. It also eclipses the Nissan Leaf’s EPA-rated 74-mile range.

However, since the e-up! wasn’t tested according to the EPA methodology, that number could drop if the e-up! ever makes it to the United States.

The e-up! also comes with a nifty Combined Charging System (CCS). Like the chargers currently available for the Leaf and Model S, CCS can do a 30-minute quick charge, in this case restoring 80 percent of the battery’s power. However, it can also work with either DC or AC outlets, giving the VW driver more options.

Volkswagen hasn’t said anything about bringing the e-up! to the U.S. but, considering that VW doesn’t even sell the conventional up! here, it seems like a long shot.

Would you consider buying this mini VW EV with a maxi range? Tell us in the comments.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.