SEAT has unveiled its first electric car - the prototype Altea XL Electric Ecomotive.
Developed and built in Spain, it is a 100 per cent electrically-driven zero-emissions model.
And along with plug-in hybrid the Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive, it will be made available to government institutions in Catalonia and Madrid for use in their vehicle fleets.
SEAT envisages the launch of the plug-in hybrid car to be in 2015, followed a year later by an all-electric vehicle as the company continues to commit to a range of alternative technologies.
The announcement coincides with the start of the biggest new product offensive SEAT has known with four new models set for launch over the next 12 months, the first being SEAT’s smart new urban vehicle – the Mii.
With its batteries located under the rear seats and boot, there will be no intrusion into the Altea XL Electric Ecomotive’s passenger space.
A regeneration system with adjustable braking torque will optimise energy use and when the electric Altea is parked in the sun, rooftop cells re-circulate fresh air inside the passenger compartment, reducing the energy needed afterwards by the climate control system.
Meanwhile, the new Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive is a ground-breaking concept in the field of plug-in hybrids, combining the advantage of emission-free driving with the range of a traditional engine.
In full electric mode the TwinDrive has a range of 32 miles with a top speed of 75mph, while the Combined fuel consumption forecast is only 1.7 litres of fuel and 39g/km of CO2, with a top speed of 105mph.