Volkswagen has added to its family of Up concept vehicles by unveiling the space Up blue.

Inspired by the 1950s Samba Bus and powered by a more efficient high-temperature fuel cell linked to 12 lithium ion batteries, the space up! blue has a theoretical range of 220 miles.

Solar panels on the roof charge the batteries, which can propel the vehicle to 62mph in 13.7 seconds and on to 75mph.

Volkswagen says the high-temperature fuel cell is more efficient than conventional low-temperature cells.

It converts more of the hydrogen’s energy into electricity and is less complex, requiring less cooling and therefore less cost.

Development of production versions of the up! range are underway – expect to see them on sale before the end of the decade.