Last week, we brought you some news about a new concept car, the diesel plug-in hybrid electric Volkswagen Twin-Up!, which shares a lot of technology with the 261mpg Volkswagen XL1.
These new diesel plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from Volkswagen are pushing the limits of fuel economy that we’ve come to expect from hybrid vehicles. For example, the upcoming 2015 Toyota Prius is expected to get a measly 55mpg, well, measly when compared to the 261mpg rating of the Volkswagen XL1. Of course, if you want to get 261mpg, you’ll also have to make some sacrifices. First, the XL1 prices around $140,000, which is a significant chunk of anyone’s budget. Second, you’d have to leave the kids and the dog at home, because it’s only a two-seater.
Volkswagen’s next high-mpg concept vehicle, the Twin-Up!, is based on the Up! minicar, adding just 1.2” to the body to accommodate the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. The entire drive system is mounted up front, with the remaining storage systems, an 8.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, 12V sealed lead acid battery, and 8.7gal fuel tank, are mounted in the rear. Overall, the new diesel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is expected to get 214mpg and have a 31mi all-electric range.
There’s no word on pricing, but given the pricing of the XL1, this tiny diesel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will probably be in the $100,000 range. On the plus side, the Volkswagen Twin-Up! has four seats, which means that you don’t have to leave anyone behind. Of course, the more weight you add to the car, the more you’ll start shaving away at those 214mpg.
Image © Volkswagen
