Volkswagen is officially entering the electric age with battery-powered versions of its Golf and up! hatchbacks.
Set to make their debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the e-Golf and e-up! both pack electric motors, gearboxes and lithium-ion batteries that were developed in-house by Volkswagen.
The e-Golf's electric motor develops 85kW and 270Nm, allowing it to reach 100km/h in a respectable 10.4 seconds. The top speed, however, is limited to 140km/h - likely due to range concerns.
On that (rather delicate) subject, the Golf is said to be capable of covering just 190km between battery charges.
The e-up! will cover 160km, VW says, and its electric motor produces 60kW and 210Nm, for a 12.4-second 0-100 and 130km/h top speed.
While that won't cut it in South Africa (where the e models are unlikely to be launched anytime soon) VW says that the driving ranges are sufficient for Germany, where 80 percent of motorists cover less than 50km a day.
Furthermore, those lucky enough to find the fastest CCS (direct current) charging stations will be able to recharge the batteries to 80 percent capacity in just half an hour.
To help drivers achieve the best possible range, both cars offer two efficient driving modes (Eco and Eco+) and four regenerative braking modes (D1, D2, D3 and B).