Volkswagen’s electric Up! minicar is slated for a 2013 release, which would put its market sale considerably later than its rivals such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which is expected to go on sale sometime in 2011.

However, Volkswagen has a lot of plans for the Up! minicar even before its electric version launches. The company currently has several versions in development which should help make the car reach VW’s goal of 500,000 units sold yearly. These versions are the petrol-electric hybrid, MPV variant, and a reported sporty cabrio version.

VW already previewed some of the tech which could be used for the all-electric variant in the Up! blue plug-in hybrid concept back in 2007. The concept sported a hydrogen fuel cell with a lithium-ion battery that powers a 60-horsepower electric motor.

It would seem that Volkswagen is in no rush to get the production version done. The company still hasn’t decided whether the electric Up! will be put on sale in the US market. Well, by the time they do finish the electric Up!, chances are EVs will be more convenient to use.

With gas prices up and the continued global economic crunch, the focus for automakers in the near future is clear: Efficient, environment-friendly minicars. Volkswagen hopes to snare its own piece of this in-demand segment as it speeds up the development on its up! minicar concept.

The Up! Concept draws power from a new 1.2-liter, three-cylinder petrol engine that makes use of direct injection and cylinder deactivation. Mileage is expected to be around 117 mpg. There are also plans to produce an electric car based on this concept, one that will feature zero emissions.
The minicar will reportedly sport a front-wheel drive chassis in order to cut expenses and maximize space for the interior. This setup also allows the accommodation of a lower body profile in order to improve aerodynamics and lessen drag on the previously tall design.

VW is already launching the next Polo for its compact car segment, and the company is hoping that the up! will be able to compete with such established company as the Toyota iQ and the Smart ForTwo.

Source: Motor Authority