Double Capacity Battery Pack in VW’s e-up!

Volkswagen has doubled the battery pack size of its e-up! micro urban BEV to increase its range.

The capacity of the lithium-ion has risen from 18.7 kWh to 32.3 kWh and, as a result, the vehicle’s range in real driving situations is claimed to be extended to up to 161 miles with expected power consumption totaling 12.7 kWh/62 miles.

The new battery pack also claims short charging times claiming to take 60 minutes to charge the battery to 80% of its capacity with direct current charging at 40 kW. Charging processes can be scheduled in advance, initiated or stopped via smartphone using the standard “maps + more” app. The app can also be used to operate the standard stationary air conditioning system.

From a performance viewpoint, its 61-kW electric motor claims a sprint time from 0 to 62mph in only 11.9 seconds with a top speed of 80mph.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_