Friday saw Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn in talks with an industry group, in which he specified that Europe's largest automaker is mulling over the roll out of an array of electric cars on the market by 2013.
Winterkorn, who criticized the German auto industry for not investing generously in the research and development of electric technology, expressed that Volkswagen is working on an electric platform, which would strengthen its up line of ultra small cars.
According to Winterkorn, "It [electric technology] will significantly influence the future of individual mobility." He further pointed to fast recharge systems for the success for any electric car program, as they demand less than two hours for a fully recharged battery.
Winterkorn said: "The German automobile industry did not work consequently enough in developing electric technology." The primary selling of the up range is expected to be with petrol and diesel versions; however there are strong rumors for an electric lineup.
The previously-revealed electric car technology by Volkswagen focuses on a hydrogen fuel cell, paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack (as opposed to the older nickel cadmium technology used in most hybrid vehicles).
Volkswagen said that on electric power alone, its systems would permit for a range of up to 105km - suitable for most urban travel requirements.