It seems green is the new black these days, and automotive juggernaut Volkswagen is keeping up with the pack with its all-new electric version of the Golf. The acclaimed small car in its green-lit version will begin selling from 2014 onwards, albeit will probably be a far cry from its concept in the company’s photo gallery.

The concept car features a light electric motor just shy of 80 kilograms, five doors, front-wheel power, and a single speed transmission. The EV is apparently capable of an 85kW output and incessant flow of 50kW, while the peak torque is immediate and around the 270Nm mark. Boasting a claimed 0-100km/hr-sprint rate of 11.8 seconds and top speed of 135km/hr this lightweight EV could easily become a very capable contender in its segment.

Weighing in at 205 kilograms heavier than the current Golf TDI model, the EV model is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a 150-kilometre range and 26.5kW/h capability. The range is of course, dependent on the driver’s behaviour, conditions and use of tools such as air-con.

Given the stringent and extensive battery development, we expect the EV will be miles ahead of the concept car by its official launch and production release. Moreover, we think VW is thinking the same thing, as the brand will not be announcing the final driving range data until the production launch.

Presently, the concept car integrates a power pack segmented into 30 modules across the boot floor, rear bench seat, and underbody tunnel. The clever distribution of the 180 Li-ion cells means the traditional 5-seat capacity is retained, and 275 litres of cargo space is gained. A self-cooling air system has been integrated to guarantee thermal constancy, while the charging point is likely to reside just aft of the grille.

Other amendments to the traditional Golf interior are also expected. Instrumentation has been considerably updated for the blue-e-motion function, reportedly to flexibly accommodate for individual driver and driving needs. A range meter has been integrated in place of the traditional tacho, in addition to the kilowatt gauge and charge-level meter accompanying the speedo. Furthermore, the EV is also likely to have a dial-up regeneration intensity system. The system apparently permits the driver to shift between resistance levels thus enhancing coasting when the power-thirsty peripherals are in force. Trip profiling will also allow the driver to select presets (at the touch of a control), pertaining to various comfort, dynamics, speed, regeneration, and range settings.