Today in TechVolkswagen’s all-electric NILS concept seats one, stylishly
The Frankfurt Motor Show — happening this week in Germany — is a showcase of the auto industry's future, and after looking at Volkswagen's 2012 NILS concept, the future looks stylish and somewhat minimalist. The NILS seats just one, but its modest passenger load is matched by an equally small footprint, and a curb weight of under 1,000lbs. The all-electric concept is designed for city use, and its lightweight aluminum frame and 34 horsepower electric motor give it a 40-mile driving range on a single charge.
The NILS features large, gull-wing doors that allow it to park in tight spaces while still providing ample room for its driver to exit. The vehicle's tiny dashboard includes a 7" LCD touchscreen which provides vehicle information, as well as access to the built-in navigation system and radio. An always-on laser sensor hidden in the VW badge on the front of the vehicle monitors braking distance and can prevent a crash if it notices the driver is quickly approaching a collision.
The German auto maker is looking far into the future with the NILS project, and Volkswagen's Head of Development, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg says of the vehicle, "NILS is a vehicle that anticipates the future. It looks as though someone had projected it back from 2030 to the world of today." The NILS definitely looks like something we imagined we'd be driving by 2030, but the future may be closer than we think. The company hasn't commented on whether the NILS project will indeed yield a commercial vehicle, but we can't help but be optimistic.
[via Autoblog]
This article originally appeared on Tecca
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