The latest brand to embrace this energy transition phase is the SEAT. The Spanish brand unveiled its first all-electric vehicle el-Born at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
The concept hatchback takes advantage of VW Group’s MEB platform. Designed and developed in Barcelona, the el-Born carries over the sharp lines of the brand. The grille is closed, typical of an EV, and the cooling vents are placed lower down the bumper. The A-pillars have been moved further forward, creating a sleeker look, and a textured black insert on the C-pillar creates a floating roof effect. Aerodynamics have played a key role in designing the el-Born, so much so that the SEAT logo on the front is flush with the body.
At the rear, a double layer spoiler also helps with the aerodynamics, while the connected tail lamps make the car appear more wider. Rounding off the looks are aerodynamically optimized 20-inch wheels with a turbine design.
The interior layout has been kept simple and business. White accents on the dashboard and doors add contrast to an otherwise basic looking cabin. Red stitching on the seats and on the flat-bottom steering wheel also makes an attempt to break the monotony. Equipment list includes a digital cockpit and a 10-inch infotainment system. Also, notice a large storage area on the centre console.
Business end
Powering the el-Born is a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor, drawing juice from a 62 kWh battery pack that is good for a range of up to 420 km (260 mi) as per WLTP. The battery is compatible with up to 100 kW DC supercharging, and up to 80% charge can be achieved in 47 minutes, SEAT says. A 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration is claimed to happen in 7.5 seconds.
As for other technology, the el-Born gets level two autonomous systems, giving partial automation to the vehicle so that it can control steering, acceleration and deceleration events. Also included is Intelligent Park Assist.
The production version will hit the markets in 2020 and will be manufactured at the Zwickau plant in Germany.
In the featured photo: Volkswagen Group CEO Dr. Herbert Diess (R) and SEAT CEO Luca de Meo (L).
Also read: Cupra Tavascan is a stylish all-electric coupe SUV concept
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