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)

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)

The low-slung two-seater has a curb weight of just 1,750 pounds, and and a drag coefficient of just 0.189.

DON'T MISS: 2014 Volkswagen XL1: First Drive Of Wolfsburg's 261-MPG Car

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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