Volkswagen has launched the new eTransporter in the UK – its first electric commercial vehicle to be sold on these shores.
Based on the best-selling Transporter, the model is produced alongside VW Group tuning firm ABT, rather than as an in-house project.
It will still be available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle dealers, though, with prices starting from £42,060, excluding VAT.
The new eTransporter will primarily work as an urban van – largely due to its limited 82-mile electric range. It can utilise 50kW rapid chargers, allowing the batteries to be charged to 80 per cent in 45 minutes.
Its battery is placed beneath the load area, and means that the cargo area is unchanged next to the regular diesel Transporter models, with a cargo area of 6.7m3 being offered, and a total payload of 1,001kg.
The electric motor itself produces 108bhp and it can accelerate from 0-60mph in 17.2 seconds.
It shares the same looks as the regular Transporter, though features a revised instrument cluster, with the regular rev counter dial being replaced by a power meter. The van also utilises regenerative braking to maximise range, which is something that’s displayed on this power dial.
The standard model comes equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, alongside a suite of safety kit – including automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors and a useful crosswind assist function that helps to keep the fan stable. This is priced from £42,060, excluding VAT.
A higher-spec Advance trim is available for £45,360, with this adding automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a heated windscreen and front parking sensors.
Alongside the regular panel van, you can also choose it as a ‘Kombi’, which gives it a rear passenger space. This model is priced from £46,375 and £49,985 for the Advance grade.
