With the Space Up! Blue Concept, VW is introducing the third variant of its “New Small Family” within just two months: the concept follows the the up!, already introduced at the IAA in Frankfurt, and the space up! presented in Tokyo.

The Space Up! Blue Concept features the world’s first high temperature fuel cell and an array of twelve lithium-ion batteries. When the electric motor (45 kW / 61 PS) of the space up! blue is driven exclusively by battery, a range of 65 miles is possible – enough to handle distances in downtown areas.

Energy is “refueled” either via an electrical outlet or by the high-temperature fuel cell. In the latter case, the car’s range is extended an additional 155 miles.

This makes it possible to drive up to 220 miles on a single “energy charge”.

Aside from this, the microvan utilizes the sun as an additional energy source.

A large solar panel on the roof supplies up to 150 Watt of energy that is also fed into the battery.

Developed at a dedicated research center founded by Volkswagen in Germany, the new high temperature fuel cell (HT-FC) system offers several advantages compared to other fuel cell systems: considerably lower weight, significantly greater everyday utility, substantially lower price, and therefore a higher chance of becoming a mass produced technology.

Over a length of just 144.9 inches, a height of 61.8 inches and a width of 64.2 inches, it offers the space of a considerably larger vehicle.

The clever space concept of the space up! blue – which is 1,090 kilograms “light” despite the fuel cell and batteries – is largely due to the layout of the powertrain.

Its emissions free electric motor operates – as did the engines of the Beetle and the Bulli (Microbus) at one time – in the rear.

Also housed in the rear, under the rear seat to be exact, are the lithium-ion batteries.

The high temperature fuel cell, on the other hand, is located at the front of the car.

(Source:Volkswagen)