Ulrich Hackenberg, VW's chief of product development, told Automotive News that main reason the company is "working on an electric vehicle is the American market," and the car could ultimately reach the U.S. after its European launch in 2013.
VW teased the E-Up! as a possible variant of its upcoming "New Small Family" of microcars, set to debut in 2011. The E-Up! is powered by an 18-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 60-kW (80 hp) motor, and has an 80 mile range and a 84 mph top speed.
Although it seats four, the E-Up! measures only 125 inches long - approximately 19 inches longer than a Smart ForTwo. If Volkswagen is to sell the car in North America, it would be lengthened to approximately 146 inches, giving both passengers and cargo some extra room.
Source: Automotive News