The e-up! will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, four years after its concept car namesake broke cover at the same event in 2009. Like the concept car, it features C-shaped LED daytime running lights and a flat-spoked aerodynamic wheel design.

Power is supplied to the front wheels by an 82bhp electric motor, supplied by a lithium ion battery located under the boot floor. The fuel filler flap on the conventional up! instead hides the battery port, which uses the standardised Combined Charging System developed in co-operation with other manufacturers, allowing drivers to fill up at most charging stations, regardless of the power source or charging rates.

The e-up! weighs 1,185kg, around 250kg more than the petrol-powered version, and aerodynamic alterations to the bodywork and undercarriage contribute to a range of 96 miles from a single charge. Using a fast charger, it can be topped up to 80% charge in 30 minutes.

Selected European markets will be able to order the e-up! after its Frankfurt debut, while the first UK customers will receive their cars early in 2014. Volkswagen has yet to give any indication of pricing.