Volkswagen has presented electric Milano Taxi, a study of a mass-market taxi powered by an electric motor, at Hannover Messe Show.
Volkswagen also announced it will be launching several electric vehicles in 2013
The electric Milano Taxi is based on decades of experience at Volkswagen as a successful taxi manufacturer.
The electric concept car designed for urban transport features a cargo area integrated in the taxi’s interior and individualized touch screens for driver and passengers.
The Milano Taxi, with its top speed of 120 km/h is driven by an electric motor with a peak power of 85 kW (continuous power: 50 kW).
The motor is supplied with energy via a lithium-ion battery integrated in the concept car’s underbody. Thanks to the implemented battery storage capacity of 45 Kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the relatively low vehicle weight (1,500 kilograms), despite the battery, it is possible to cover distances of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) (per NEDC) depending on driving style.
The storage battery can readily be recharged to up to 80 percent of its total capacity in just over one hour, the exact time depending on the available recharging infrastructure and battery’s momentary charge state.
Volkswagen’s electric strategy is the central element of the company’s presence at the trade fair.
Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, and Luca de Meo, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, unveiled the study at the Volkswagen stand in Hall 15.
Apart from electric traction, the continuous optimization of energy-efficient and low-emission vehicles powered by combustion engines is a firm part of Volkswagen’s sustainability strategy.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
