Seat has revealed a new prototype version of the Leon hatchback conceived to run on electric power or a conventional petrol engine. As its name suggests, the Leon "Twin Drive" Ecomotive sports a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 35 kW electric motor fed by a group of lithium-ion batteries located at the rear of the vehicle, and a conventional petrol engine. The initial aim is for the Leon to run on electricity in urban areas, switching to conventional petrol power for longer trips out of town.
In all-electric mode, the prototype Leon has a range of 50 km (31 miles) and a self-imposed top speed of 100 km/h (62mph).
Aside from the hybrid powertrain, the Leon Twin Drive Ecomotive features extensive modifications of the gearbox, brakes, heating and cooling systems, while major changes to the vehicle's electronics have also been carried out.
While the specific Leon is not intended to enter production, Seat plans to introduce a hybrid-electric model by 2014. The prototype Leon will offer Seat's engineers valuable information on advanced electrical propulsion techniques, battery recharging and vehicle range.
