Your Definitive Guide to the new all-electric VW Transporter Van

The new all-electric VW Transport Van - Your Definitive Guide

This week (22 September) has seen a number of controversial media posts about the health of the UK’s EV economy. In particular, there have been a couple of pressing articles covering the condition of the VW Group, who are allegedly closing their plants for short period of times due to the “weak demand” for fully electric transport.

As the article in The Guardian suggests  VW are having to adjust working hours and make temporary closures to various plants and production centres throughout Germany, which produce models for Audi, Cupra and Volkswagen directly.

There is a suggestion of Europe’s dispassion for electric cars, which are aiming to be the priority type of transport by 2035. While some European countries, like Norway, have seen considerable uptake and transition there is little adoption in other European countries, with the article referencing the weak infrastructure in Southern Europe.

Similar approaches have already been taken by Stellantis, the owner of brands like Citroen, Peugeot, Jeep and Vauxhall. In addition, Porsche announced a slightly new direction on their product suite, essentially prioritising the construction and build of combustion and hybrid models, while pausing plans to make some product move into the battery segment. But does this spell disaster?

In the UK there is almost a healthy appetite and positive attitude towards EVs. While admittedly this is very much car focused, improving infrastructure and economies of scale are helping van operators move their commercial vehicles into all-electric transport.

The VW group referenced here, are looking to be a big part of what we do in the UK, with both the VW ID Buzz Cargo and new Transporter Panel Van EV now on sale. However, before there is an about turn on battery technology, it is important to note that the automotive economy in the UK is still maturing and addressing the concerns which are curtailing demand.

At the front-end, grants for cars and grants for vans  are helping manufacturers to ensure their new vehicles are more affordable. In some cases, these are cheaper on a like for like vs a combustion alternative. Increasing experience and education are allowing more used-EVs to be more responsibly sold; indeed our used electric car lease scheme is now growing quicker than our new one!.

Cheaper overnight tariffs, a resoundingly growing public charging network and improved range / charging times in new vehicles are now helping confluence grow. This is not an overnight agenda. We expect more work and more effort to keep our market progressing and addressing manufacturer concerns, as per the Guardian article at the outset.

“Ready for your next mission” the new Transporter panel van arrives into the UK with a bold design, onboard technology and increased load capacity to help small and big businesses improve their transport and fleet requirements. Available in both a short wheelbase and long wheelbase, the new van offers both practicality and comfort.

In the cabin, a more car-Iike aesthetics means ergonomic seats, higher quality materials, improved internal storage, 230V power hub and folding seats with tray help make this a versatile working space. A digital cockpit means 12” instrument cluster, 13” infotainment system, wireless APP connect, smartphone connection and ADAS systems.

Elements like autonomous braking, collision prevention and options which include a digital rear-view mirror and dashcam function to keep you and the company drivers safe. New and improved clear LED systems, or optional LED matrix headlights, are about making a powerful yet clear beam on the UK’s busy roads. Clever internal cargo space makes for more room and better load carrying capacity. At the time of writing (29 September) the new Transporter will arrive with 5 Services (and 3 MOTs), 5 year warranty and 5 years roadside assistance as standard.

So what options can you have in the electric VW Transporter?

Choose from the two specifications which are available in the T32 SWB and T34 LWB models in either a 136ps or 218ps motor capacity:

•  Commerce Plus - from £51,784 OTR this includes body-coloured bumpers leatherette multi-function steering wheel, front/rear parking sensors, rear view camera, heat pump, air conditioning, anti-theft alarm, heated seats, power-folding and heated door mirrors, 16” steel wheels, lane assist, 6-way adjustable driver seat, 2 arm-rests in the cab, cruise control, 4-speaker sound system and keyless start; or

•  Commerce Pro - from £54,424 OTR this adds 16” alloys, wireless phone charging, heated windscreen, adaptive cruise, super-bright LED lights in the load compartment, heated steering wheel and full LED rear lights.

Key colours include the clear white, dark indigo blue, intensive red and stone grey (solid paint). Or upgrade to metallic pants like graphite dust, light grey, mid blue or warm green.

On the Commerce plus, consider adding the additional USB ports, power sliding passenger slide door, LED main headlamps and 12V outlet in centre console. On the Commerce pro, consider adding the upgraded alloys, with a range of 17” - 19” options, Harman Kardon sound system, navigation system, IQ light LED Matrix and heated/laminated glass

How will the new Transporter electric perform?

As per below the two main options on the SWB include:

•  65kWh 100kW  - this RWD van has a usable battery of 63.8 kWh which offers 100kW (134hp), top speeds of 70 mph and 0-62 times of 12.8 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 130 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 170 miles (on a full charge) - combined overall at 155 miles. The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 7 hours with the 125 kW DC enabling 10-80% in 38 minutes. It has a 98 mpg equivalent, 1,013kg payload, 2602mm load length, 1777mm load width, 5.8m cubed load volume and offers towing capacities of 2000kg (Braked) and 750kg (Unbraked). There is a heat pump on this EV. Bidirectional charging is not present; and

•  65kWh 160kW  - this RWD van has a usable battery of 63.8 kWh which offers 160kW (215hp), top speeds of 93 mph and 0-62 times of 8.6 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 130 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 170 miles (on a full charge) - combined overall at 155 miles. The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 7 hours with the 125 kW DC enabling 10-80% in 38 minutes. It has a 98 mpg equivalent, 1,013kg payload, 2602mm load length, 1777mm load width, 5.8m cubed load volume and offers towing capacities of 2000kg (Braked) and 750kg (Unbraked). There is a heat pump on this EV. Bidirectional charging is not present.

The LWB van will increase the load length to 3002mm, load width is the same at 1771mm but the load volume becomes 6.8m cubed. Both SWB and LWB have 170kg max roof loads.

Ready to go electric with your next van / LCV?  

Head to our dedicated van special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]