Cologne, Germany – With the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show scheduled to open its doors as you read this, there’s little doubt that the buzzword heading into this year’s event is; “electric”. With many manufacturers preparing to show both updated and final production versions of long-planned concept hybrid and one-off all-electric models – all aimed at improving ultimate efficiency in motoring – Volkswagen has plans to introduce all-electric versions of two of its most popular current models, it’s city-smart up! and class-leading Golf.
While some may suggest that Volkswagen’s entry into the all-electric segment has been a late one, it’s interesting to note that the Wolfsburg-based company’s strategy towards zero-emissions models included developing the current MQB platform (underpinning the Golf) and NSF (new small family) architecture of the up!, from the outset, to accommodate an all-electric drivetrain. This way each electric version of the car can also be produced on its existing production line.
With no previous experience with the VW up! I only had reputation to work with as my time being the wheel of the all-new e-up! drew closer. That it’s a reputation that includes the 2012 World Car of the Year title certainly added a weight of expectation.
Available in either blue or white the e-up! is distinguished from other up! models by its aerodynamically optimised body kit, including efficiency-focused alloy wheels, as well as Volkswagen’s new signature electric car LED daytime running lights.
The e-up! features a compact 60 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor mated with a 8:16 ratio single-speed transmission. There’s a substantial 210 N.m of torque available from the moment you touch the throttle, and when you consider that the additional 230 kilograms worth of battery mass (positioned neatly between the two axles) brings the total mass of the e-up! to just 1 139 kilograms, you can imagine that there’s plenty of fun to be had surprising unsuspecting challengers at the traffic light. Fully-charged (9 hours via a wall outlet or 6 hours with a VW-supplied wall box) and driven with a focus on maximum efficiency, however, the newest member of the up! family really shines.
With the pressure of representing South Africa in the first ever e-up! Cup of Nations, myself and fellow journalist Minesh Bhagaloo set about trying to complete a regularity rally both timeously and efficiently as possible.
Turn the key and, well, not a lot happens. A charge meter positioned to the right of the speedometer springs to life, while the “consumption” gauge to the left lifts to indicate zero. Press the accelerator and this needle rises accordingly, showing the driver how much power is being used. Volkswagen has developed a clever energy recovery system that, via the transmission lever, allows the driver to select between one of three recovery modes. Moving the lever left or right out of its Drive position determines how much recovery (and how low the consumption needle dips below the zero mark) during a descent. With each mode selected more brake pressure is applied. That said, in trying to extend the vehicle’s range to its maximum potential (VW claims 160 kilometers on a full charge) you try your best not to touch the brake pedal but rather shift between recovery modes. A pull down on the lever to engage Brake mode will then apply enough brake boost bring the car to a near standstill – while delivering maximum recharge.
The e-up! can be driven in three profiles, Normal, Eco, and Eco+. With each movement away from Normal less power (50 kW and 40 kW, respectively) is available, while the air conditioning system shifts into either a restricted mode, or off completely.
And so it was, with no air conditioning or energy-sapping radio switched-on, that team South Africa took on seven other countries. It’s a testament to the up!’s small dimensions and effortless manoeuvrability that I was able to weave my way around small town traffic circles and out of the way of other less-than-sympathetic German road users while holding my concentration on throttle inputs and maintaining momentum ahead of range-sapping steep inclines.
Arriving at the finish we managed to record an impressive 11,3 kWh/100 km (good for a range of around 170 km). This combined with the scores from various challenges along the route place us in fourth overall for the event. Not making it onto the podium, however, did give me the opportunity to gather some inside information from the one of Volkswagen’s gathered international marketing managers. While, until now, South Africa has not been on the radar in terms of up! exports I can confirm that there will be an e-up! present on the VW stand at the Johannesburg Motor Show later this year. Perhaps with enough public interest (and some much-needed assistance from the currently weak Rand) it won’t be too long before the up! slots-in between the current Vivo and Polo models on South African dealership floors.
Specifications
Volkswagen e-up!
Price: 29 900 Euro in Germany
Engine: permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power: 60 kW
Torque: 210
0-100 km/h: 12,4 secs
Top speed: 130 km/h
Consumption: 11,4 kWh/100 km
Range: 120 -160 km
CO2: 0 g/km
All manufacturer’s claimed figures
