The Volkswagen NILS Single Seat Electric Concept

The Volkswagen NILS is a single seat electric concept vehicle featuring an aluminium space frame, wing doors and free standing wheels.

Offering a range of 40 miles and a top speed of 80mph, the Volkswagen NILS is ideal for commuters. Figures from the German Bureau of Statistics, 73.9% of all commuters in Berlin and Munich cover under 15.5 miles on their way to work.

The Volkswagen NILS is 3.04 metres long, 0.39 metres wide wheel to wheel and 1.2 metres tall and weighs 460kg. The 17 inch alloy wheels are equipped with 115/80 (front) and 125/80 (rear) tyres optimised for low rolling resistance.

The electric motor provides 15kW nominal power and short term peak power of 25kW, allowing a 0-100km/h time of under 11 seconds with a top speed of 130km/h. The lithium ion battery capacity of 5.3kWh allows for a driving range of up to 65km.

The steering of the Volkswagen NILS is mechanical - due to the weight, no power assistance is required - giving go-kart like handling. The car features double wishbone suspension at front and back with ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme).

The Volkswagen NILS features an automatic distance control system utilising radar sensors to scan the area about 200 metres in front of the vehicle and uses brake interventions to maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. The vehicle can be slowed using the four disc brakes as well as electric traction by the electric motor and battery regeneration.

The instrument cluster is a seven in TFT display with speed shown in the middle with energy flow represented by bars. The screen also displays information about the driving range. The second central instrument is a Portable Infotainment Device, like the one found on the Volkswagen up. The unit can be snapped into the A pillar to the right of the instrument cluster. Controlled by touchscreen, the system provides navigation, radio, media, telephone and trip computer. The PID will calculate the expected driving range and will provide both the route and a radius to show potential destinations which can be reached with the current charge.

The Volkswagen NILS features bi-xenon headlights, with LED indicator lights and daytime running lights. The rear lights are integrated in the rear section like small wings.