Electric cars can be a more efficient alternative to internal-combustion vehicles, but how do they compare to a starship?
Two people well-positioned to make that assessment--Star Trek stars William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy--are now featured in a new Volkswagen ad.
ALSO SEE: 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf: Drive Report, First U.S. Sale Details
A technology that only a few years ago was considered science fiction by many is now getting an endorsement from Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock.
In the ad, a young fan sees Shatner move in across the street, and finds a Volkswagen e-Golf electric car in the actor's garage.
![2015 Volkswagen e-Golf (Euro spec) - Driven, Portland OR, July 2014 (credit: NWAPA) 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf (Euro spec) - Driven, Portland OR, July 2014 (credit: NWAPA)](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2015-volkswagen-e-golf-euro-spec--driven-portland-or-july-2014-credit-nwapa_100473331_l.jpg)
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf (Euro spec) - Driven, Portland OR, July 2014 (credit: NWAPA)
Nimoy found the plug-in car "fascinating."
The ad was released in German, but one of those two vehicles--the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf electric car--will go on sale in the U.S. this November, albeit only at selected Volkswagen dealerships in certain launch regions.
DON'T MISS: 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf Price To Start At $36,265, Top Trim Level Only
While not capable of warp speed, the e-Golf's electric motor produces 85 kilowatts (115 horsepower) and 199 pound-feet of torque.
The motor is powered by a 24.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, which Volkswagen estimates will provide 70 to 90 miles of range, depending on driving conditions. EPA ratings have not been published.
![2014 Volkswagen XL1 (European model) 2014 Volkswagen XL1 (European model)](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2014-volkswagen-xl1-european-model_100471410_l.jpg)
2014 Volkswagen XL1 (European model)
The low-slung two-seater has a curb weight of just 1,750 pounds, and and a drag coefficient of just 0.189.
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That allows the XL1 to get down the road with just a 0.8-liter, two-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and electric motor for power, with a total rated output of 68 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque. No dilithium crystals required.
Only 250 cars will be produced, at a price of around $150,000, but the car was not designed to meet U.S. regulations, and will not be sold in North America.
[hat tip: Michael Andrusio]
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