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VW's vision for commuters
09:59, Sep 2 2011
Motoring News
by Mike Torpey, drivingforce.uk.net
VOLKSWAGEN has pulled wraps from a single-seat electric car concept that could represent a lean, clean future for commuters.
The oddball piece of minimalist mobility, unveiled ahead of its public debut later this month, has an aluminium space frame, wing doors and free-standing wheels.
And best of all, it boasts the dynamic performance of a sports car, yet travels silently and with zero emissions.
The project’s name is Nils, it has a range of 40 miles, top speed of 80 mph and is seen as ideal for the daily commute thanks to its compact size – only 3.04 metres long and 1.2 metres wide.
Nils has the same basic layout as a Formula 1 race car, with the driver in the middle, the engine in back and free-standing outboard wheels. And its 17-inch alloy wheels are equipped with low rolling resistance tyres.
Though its inspiration may come from Formula 1, the styling has its origins at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, Berlin.
Designer Thomas Ingenlath said: “Nils was designed to make a visual statement and transport a vision of the automotive future to the present.
“The two glass wing doors allowed us to create large transparent surfaces and make entering and exiting the vehicle very comfortable, even in the most cramped of parking spaces.”
The concept’s acceleration of 0-62mph in less than 11 seconds is achieved using an electric motor with a lithium-ion battery, which can be charged either via a conventional outlet in two hours or at an electric vehicle charging station.
In fact the motor, battery and other components are so compact that there is still space for a some luggage.
And the instrument cluster is a seven-inch TFT display, the vehicle’s speed ishown digitally in the middle, while energy flow is represented by bars. Another graphic display offers info on the driving range.
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