Volkswagen has launched the ABT eTransporter 6.1 – the company’s first all-electric van available in the UK – which features a range of up to 82 miles on a single charge.
With no compromise on cargo area, the electric Transporter has been developed with ABT e-Line, and features an 83 kW (110 hp) motor. This enables a 0-62mph time of 17.4 seconds. Cargo space is rated at 6.7 m and the van is able to take a payload of up to 1,001 kg.
Charging is carried out via a Type 2 CCS inlet, with a 7.2 kW on-board charger fitted, and rapid DC charging possible at up to 50 kW. This makes for a rapid charge in around 45 minutes, topping up the 37.3 kWh battery (32.5 kWh net) to 80%.
Familiar electric vehicle systems are included such as regenerative braking, whilst more unfamiliar EV powertrain features include a DSG dual-clutch gearbox. This delivers up to 75% of potential power most of the time, with a ‘kick-down’ function available for the full 83 kW when required.
Models are available in panel van and kombi crew van specifications, with Advance trims in each above the basic specification, for a choice of four variants.
Prices start at £42,060 (exc. VAT) ,though this does not include the Plug-in Van Grant, since the VW’s application for approval is currently in progress. There is nothing to suggest that the eTransporter 6.1 won’t receive approval for the grant, worth 20% of the purchase price, up to a value of £8,000.
The eTransporter 6.1 is the fifth pure-electric van launched in the space of just a few weeks, with Peugeot, Citroen, and Vauxhall all releasing a similarly-sized panel van – though with a significantly longer range – and Nissan bringing out a larger version of its e-NV200. Prices for these four models are yet to be announced however.
