First, the e-up! Arrives Early Next Year

Volkswagen has announced the introduction of two electric vehicle models to Japan starting next spring. One is the "e-up!", a four-door hatchback that is currently the only EV available in Japan that fits within the compact "5-number" vehicle size class. The other is the "7th Generation Golf" based model, the "e-Golf". Actual deliveries are scheduled to begin with the e-up! on February 1st of next year, while the e-Golf is expected to launch in mid-next year.




Appearing at the press conference alongside Shigeru Shoji, President of Volkswagen Group Japan, was Kaori Mochida of "Every Little Thing," who serves as a brand ambassador and is herself an owner of the first-generation "Golf Cabriolet." She shared her impressions after test-driving the e-up! for the first time as an EV: "It's a cute car, very quiet and easy to drive. If you hadn't told me, I might not have realized it was an electric car." She emphasized its ease of use as an EV.



Both the e-up! and e-GolfVolkswagen Electric CarsAs members of the VW e-mobility family, they feature symbolic blue accents inside and out. To improve aerodynamic performance, both models also incorporate exclusive exterior parts.

VW e-mobility Functions

Naturally, beyond their exterior appearance, both vehicles are equipped with common functions that maximize their performance as electric cars.



One of these is a four-stage regenerative braking system. The strength of regeneration when the accelerator is released can be adjusted via the shift lever.



In the standard D range, releasing the accelerator pedal engages the coasting mode for free-wheeling. However, by shifting the lever, the vehicle can switch to a mode where the charging motor is engaged to decelerate, even during coasting. The regenerative braking strength increases progressively from D1, D2, and D3, to B, which offers the most aggressive regeneration. Particularly in D2 and above, the stopping power is significant, and the rear brake lights illuminate to alert following vehicles.



This feature can be utilized much like an engine brake in internal combustion vehicles, allowing for a more sporty driving experience. Naturally, charging occurs during deceleration, so by maximizing the use of regenerative braking on downhill slopes according to the terrain, the driving range can also be extended.



Another driving function is the "Driving Profile" selection, which offers three drive modes: Normal, ECO, and ECO+. In ECO mode, the accelerator response becomes gentler, and the air conditioning operates less intensely. Moving to ECO+ further softens the accelerator response and turns off the air conditioning for maximum fuel efficiency. In modes other than Normal, the maximum output, torque, and top speed are also limited.



In addition to the standard 200V charging port, both models are equipped with a CHAdeMO port as standard, supporting Japan's high-speed charging standard increasingly found at highway service areas, roadside stations, and parking lots. This allows for rapid charging on the go. For home charging equipment installation support, the company has partnered with domestic firms with proven track records.



Furthermore, as part of the support for the VW e-mobility lifestyle, the "Car-Net" remote service is provided free for three years. This service allows users to monitor vehicle status via PC or smartphone apps, schedule charging, and control the air conditioning before driving. The lithium-ion battery is covered by a standard 8-year or 160,000 km warranty.

An EV Packed with the Latest Technology in the Smallest Model

The e-up!, debuting early next year, is based on Volkswagen's smallest model, the "up!". Despite its compact dimensions of 3,540mm in length, it houses an 18.7kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor, minimizing impact on the cabin and luggage space. This is an advantage of the up! itself, which was designed with electrification in mind from its inception.



The motor delivers a maximum output of 60kW (82ps) and a maximum torque of 210Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.4 seconds and has a top speed of 130 km/h. In ECO mode, these are limited to 50kW/167Nm and 120 km/h, respectively. In ECO+ mode, they are further restricted to 40kW/133Nm and 95 km/h.



When charging from empty, a full charge takes approximately 8 hours using a 200V outlet. With CHAdeMO high-speed charging, it can reach 80% capacity in about 30 minutes. The driving range on a full charge, while dependent on driving and weather conditions, is rated at 185 km under the JC08 mode.



As the base up! does not come with a standard navigation system, the center console features a "touch+more" infotainment display. This system shows an energy flow meter, which visually represents the vehicle's charging and discharging status, among other information.



Additionally, standard equipment includes the City Emergency Brake, which was also a highlight of the base up!, along with full-auto air conditioning compatible with the aforementioned Driving Profile, cruise control, rear park distance control, and exclusive 15-inch alloy wheels.



The price for the e-up!, with reservations opening on February 1, 2015, has been announced at 3,669,000 yen.

A Powertrain Option for the Versatile 7th Generation Golf

Meanwhile, the e-Golf, scheduled for launch in mid-next year, is an EV model based on the latest Golf. A 24.2kWh lithium-ion battery is evenly distributed under the floor. While this battery alone weighs 318kg and the vehicle totals 1.5 tons, it is powered by a compact motor producing a maximum output of 85kW (116ps) and 270Nm of torque, boasting 0-100km/h acceleration in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 140km/h.



Its continuous driving range is officially stated as 215 km in JC08 mode. A full charge using a 200V outlet takes approximately 9 hours, while using CHAdeMO high-speed charging allows for an 80% charge in 30 minutes.



The e-Golf comes standard with Volkswagen's genuine infotainment system "Discover Pro," which includes EV-specific modes. It can monitor power consumption and energy regeneration status to clearly display the remaining range, and it also calculates power usage to show areas within a 360-degree radius on the map that can be reached without recharging. Charging spot searches are also available.



Additionally, due to the nature of EVs lacking a heat source like an internal combustion engine, which significantly increases power consumption in winter for heating, the Japanese specification includes a standard heat pump. This allows the interior to be efficiently warmed with minimal energy.



Other standard features, also available on the regular Golf, include Front Assist Plus with City Emergency Brake, Multi Collision Brake to prevent secondary collisions, driver alert system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), LED auto headlights, and exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels designed for aerodynamic efficiency.



As reservations for the e-Golf are set to begin in mid-next year, only specifications have been announced at this time, with pricing yet to be determined.



Volkswagen Group Japan aims to reduce CO2 emissions and, starting with these EVs, is considering the future introduction of plug-in hybrids and diesel engines.


Volkswagen e-up! | Volkswagen e up!

Body Dimensions | Length 3,545 x Width 1,650 x Height 1,520 mm

Wheelbase | 2,420 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,430 / 1,425 mm

Weight | 1,160 kg

Motor | 3-phase AC motor

Max. Output | 60 kW (82 ps) / 3,500-12,000 rpm

Max. Torque | 210 Nm (21.4 kgm) / 0-2,500 rpm

Transmission | 1-speed fixed

Drivetrain | FF

Drive Battery Type | Lithium-ion

Drive Battery Total Voltage | 374 V

Drive Battery Total Capacity | 18.7 kWh

Range per Charge (JC08 mode) | 185 km

Tires | 165/65R15

Min. Turning Radius | 4.6 meters

Price | 3,669,000 yen

Release Date | February 1, 2015




Volkswagen e-Golf | Volkswagen e Golf

Body Dimensions | Length 4,265 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,480 mm

Wheelbase | 2,635 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,545 / 1,515 mm

Weight | 1,530 kg

Motor | 3-phase AC motor

Max. Output | 85 kW (116 ps) / 3,500-7,000 rpm

Max. Torque | 270 Nm (25.5 kgm) / 0-2,500 rpm

Transmission | 1-speed fixed

Drivetrain | FF

Drive Battery Type | Lithium-ion

Drive Battery Total Voltage | 323 V

Drive Battery Total Capacity | 24.2 kWh

Range per Charge (JC08 mode) | 215 km

Tires | 205/55R16

Min. Turning Radius | 5.2 meters

Price | Not yet decided

Release Date | Mid-2015





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