The Volkswagen e-Up – don’t worry Dad, batteries are included

BATTERIES not included – three words that can fill parents with dread as the presents are torn open on Christmas Day, but not a problem faced by potential owners of Volkswagen’s new electric runabout, the e-Up.

UK order books for the Volkswagen e-Up have opened at a starting price of £19,250, about twice the price of a petrol-engined equivalent, even after taking into account the government’s £5000 Plug-in Car Grant.

On the other hand, the e-Up’s price also includes outright ownership of the car’s battery pack, and that explains why it’s more expensive than its closest rival, the Renault Zoe, which requires owners to make a separate monthly rental payment for the battery.

The Volkswagen e-Up’s electric motor also produces quite a bit more power and torque than the standard petrol engines, so it’ll be a lively drive, especially at lower speeds.

In addition the e-Up should qualify for all the usual tax advantages enjoyed by zero-emission vehicles – including 0% company car tax until the 2015-16 tax year, when it rises to a paltry 5%.

A top-up from the mains will cost only a couple of pounds – much cheaper than filling up the tank on the petrol Up.

The e-Up also gets a single high level of spec that tops the equipment list of even the most luxurious petrol Up, the High Up. That means heated front seats, cruise control, sat nav, a heated windscreen, a DAB digital radio, electronic climate control, parking sensors and the City Emergency braking system.