Friday 2 September 2011

VW unveils electric car made for one

German carmaker Volkswagen is hoping to pull off another design coup by bringing out a "minimalist" single-seat electric car. Dubbed NILS, the compact vehicle is just 3.04 metres long and 0.39 metres wide from wheel to wheel.

With a top speed of 80mph, NILS is laid out like a Formula 1 race car, with the driver in the middle, the engine in back, and free-standing outboard wheels.

VW says that a driving range of up to 40miles will make NILS an ideal motor for city commuters. The car will get its first official outing at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.