Volkswagen premieres e-Crafter

By / 8 years ago / New Cars / No Comments

Volkswagen has revealed its new e-Crafter electric vehicle, which will start deliveries from 2017.

New Volkswagen e-Crafter

Cargo capacity of the VW e-Crafter remains the same as the standard model

Unveiled at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, the all-electric version of the new panel van features a 100kw electric motor that gives it a maximum speed of 50mph along with a claimed range of over 124 miles.

The concept vehicle’s battery pack, which is made up of 312 cells and has a total capacity of 43 kilowatt hours, is located under the cargo space floor, ensuring that capacity remains unchanged. Cargo space is 11.3 cubic metres with a maximum cargo space height of 1,961 millimetres. The load width available between the wheel arches is 1,380mm and the maximum cargo space length is 4,855mm. Other practical cargo features include a ProSafe load-lashing system, Flex-Rack set-up and Globelyst shelving system from Sortimo.

The battery pack takes 45 minutes to charge to 80% capacity. VW also says the model is set up to accommodate future battery developments, giving it a range of up to 249 miles, enabling its use by businesses outside urban areas.

Design features include bespoke Reef Blue Metallic paintwork, matching painted bumpers and protective side strips and a blue bar on the radiator grille to distinguish the e-Crafter from conventional models, along the signature C-shape of the daytime running lights used on Volkswagen electric vehicles. The interior also brings a ‘power meter’ in place of a rev counter, a leather steering wheel with blue decorative stitching and titanium black seats with blue trim.

Volkswagen says first models will be with customers by early 2017.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.