Volkswagen E-Up!

Volkswagen is getting charged Up! The German giant took the wraps off this all-electric city car at the Frankfurt Motor Show. With a bank of advanced lithium-ion batteries under the floor, its 80bhp electric motor provides the E-Up! with up to 80 miles of zero-emission driving from a single charge.

The pack of cells can also be charged to 80 per cent of their full capacity in only an hour, while its roof is covered in solar panels to help the batteries topped up.

And if you don’t fancy an all-electric Up!, a conventional model is also on the cards. Unlike the original 2007 concept car, its engine will be in the front and the interior has a Toyota iQ-inspired three-plus-one configuration, to maximise cabin space.

The petrol model will share the looks of this brightly painted electric version, as well as its functional interior. Simple features such as manual windows help to get keep costs under control, so entry-level versions could cost as little as £7,000 when it hits UK showrooms towards the end of 2010. An all-electric version is likely to follow later in 2011.