Volkswagen has upped electric range on the e-Transporter and e-Caravelle and debuted a new all-wheel drive option.

The Volkswagen e-Transporter and e-Caravelle are now able to drive longer and deliver shorter charging times and a new AWD option under latest technical changes.

The fully electric van and people carrier are now equipped with a larger battery with a usable capacity of 70kWh, compared to 64kWh before. This enables them to achieve a range of up to 236 miles (380km) which is around 13% higher than before.

At the same time, charging times have been cut thanks to an improved DC charging curve. At a 125kW DC charging station, the battery can now be charged from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes – about ten minutes less than before. This means that a short pit stop of 10 minutes now provides around 62 miles or 100km of additional range.

Alongside this, Volkswagen has debuted its intelligent 4Motion all-wheel-drive system as an option for more traction and stability. It combines the existing rear-mounted motor with an additional e-motor on the front axle. Since the two electric drive units are not mechanically coupled, the torque can be quickly distributed between the front and rear axles as needed – for better traction on construction sites, wet roads or unpaved terrain.

This 4Motion all-wheel drive system works closely with Electronic Stability Control (ESP) and traction control for the best possible road grip. Torque and braking force can be used in a targeted manner to reduce over- or understeering, keeping the e-Transporter safely in lane even in wet conditions, on changing road surfaces or when cornering.

The system is available in three power outputs: 136hp (100kW), 218hp (160kW) and 286hp (210kW).