The new Volkswagen ABT eTransporter electric van has arrived built together with ABT e-LINE for launch in the UK.
The Volkswagen ABT eTransporter 6.1 is the brand’s first all-electric van for the UK and promises decent range and huge cargo area. Although this is a commercial vehicle, we believe we will soon see an all-electric van for passenger use as well.
The Volkswagen ABT eTransporter electric van offers a range of up to 132 km. Developed with ABT e-LINE, it combines quiet and smooth driving, instant torque, fast charging and high load capacity for the ultimate zero-emissions urban logistics van. The advanced, lightweight electric motor has a maximum power output of 83 kW or 113 hp and that makes for smooth and quiet driving, low maintenance needs, and, crucially, instant maximum torque. The motor is connected to the compact battery – fitted underneath the load area to avoid compromising the massive cargo area of 6,700 litres and payload of up to 1,001 kg – via the power electronics that supply energy to both the on-board electronics and the electric motor.
The Volkswagen ABT eTransporter 6.1 features a modified DSG (DirectShift Gearbox) dual-clutch transmission, combining the conventional system with the requirements of an electric drive to develop sufficient power in any driving situation. When Drive (‘D’) is selected, the motor will deliver 75 per cent power to maximize range. The kickdown function on the gear shift provide full power and torque when maximum performance is needed. For those interested, the eTransporter can dismiss zero to 100 km/h in 17.4 seconds.
The eTransporter can be specified with several design, comfort and safety options, including 17-inch alloy wheels, electrically-folding door mirrors, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and front and rear parking sensors. Also on the equipment list is regenerative braking, allowing it to switch from drive motor to generator mode to recover energy lost under braking. The resulting current is fed back into the battery and stored for later use.
The Combined Charging System (CCS) socket on the new VW ABT eTransporter 6.1 provides a flexible charging solution, combining the ability to charge via both AC and DC. This means any device that has either a CCS (DC charging) or Type 2 (AC charging) plug type can be sued. A Type 2 charging cable is included with the vehicle as standard. The eTransporter 6.1 supports AC charging up to 7.2 kW using a wallbox, which will charge the lithium-ion battery in approximately 5.5 hours. Rapid charging using a DC charger is available and is the fastest way with the van supporting up to 50 kW DC charging using a CCS connector, where the lithium-ion battery can achieve a charging state of 80 per cent within approximately 45 minutes; or just over 100 km of range – ideal for vans working a busy shift pattern.
The prices for the new Volkswagen ABT eTransporter 6.1 electric van start from £42,060 (Rs 38.6 lakh approximately).
