Volkswagenâ€™s Radical Electric Roadster of the Future [PICS]

**Waqas** · September 2, 2011

Volkswagen has designed a unique single-seat electric sports car it calls NILS.

The radically designed concept vehicle is inspired by open-wheel F1 race cars. While its electric motor can only crank out 30 hp, the 10-foot-long aluminum-framed vehicle is so small and light, you might think you’re in a race car when its torque-rich little engine delivers that neck-snapping acceleration of which we are all so fond.

Low-speed acceleration notwithstanding, you won’t want to enter it into any impromptu street races, because its 0-60 time is a leisurely 11 seconds, with its top speed a rather tame 80 mph.

Volkswagen says this electro-cart only needs a couple of hours to charge from a 230V electrical outlet. The downside is its range is only 40 miles on each charge. Still, that’s farther than the average commute.

Wondering when you can get one? Like most concept cars, this one’s not for sale. The car maker plans to show off NILS at the upcoming auto show in Frankfurt this month.

Even if you won’t be getting behind its wheels soon, the design exploration gives you a sneak peek at the cars you might be driving a few years down the road.