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XL1 dive and drive: Volkswagen aggressively optimizes for efficiency in its sleek diesel plug-in hybrid

Green Car Congress

kWh lithium-ion battery—integrated in the front section of the XL1—supplies the electric motor with 220 volts of electrical energy. The battery comprises 60 25Ah cells, with a carbon-fiber case. The XL1’s 12-volt electrical system is supplied via a DC/DC converter and a small auxiliary battery.

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Slow start for charge of the electric cars - Times Online

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

Buyerswill purchase the car – at about the same price as a conventional model –but lease the batteries from a third-party energy supplier for a monthly feeequivalent to the fuel costs for an economical petrol or diesel car. They are placing all their bets on pureelectric vehicles that produce zero emissions at the point of use.