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The Manufacturer Remembers the Launch of Its First Electric Car Sold to the Public Three Decades Ago, Establishing a Milestone in Automotive History.
The information was revealed by Volkswagen, which recalled that the “CitySTROMer, the Golf of electric cars,” as it was called at the time, made its debut in 1993, in a close partnership with Siemens.
Performance of the CitySTROMer: Ahead of Its Time
According to Volkswagen, the electric car already had respectable performance for its time. At a constant speed of 50 km/h, the vehicle could travel up to 90 km. And that was quite a feat, considering that the extra weight of the battery was 300 kg! The battery capacity, by the way, increased from 11.4 to 13.8 kWh compared to the previous model.
The water-cooled electric motor had a power output of 17.3 kW (equivalent to 23.5 horsepower). In addition, the electric car could charge up to 80% of its battery in just 90 minutes, showing that Volkswagen was already stepping into the future.
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CitySTROMer: A Modern Classic, First Electric Car from Volkswagen
Although the first two generations of the electric car, launched in 1981 and 1985, were produced in small batches for testing purposes, Volkswagen produced a total of 120 units of the CitySTROMer that were sold to the public until 1996. And some of these electric cars are still roaming the streets? The VW Golf III CitySTROMer turns 30 this year and may even qualify for an antique car license plate.
This 30-year journey demonstrates that Volkswagen has always been a pioneer when it comes to electric cars. With the ID. family in full expansion, the company shows it remains committed to sustainable mobility. So, if you’re thinking of getting on the electric car bandwagon, it’s worth keeping an eye on what Volkswagen has to offer.
By recalling the legacy of the CitySTROMer, Volkswagen not only celebrates its own history but also inspires the automotive sector to continue evolving towards a more sustainable future. And you, are you ready to be part of this revolution?
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