VW reveals Electric blue Crafter

Date: Friday, September 30, 2016 | Author: James Dallas

One of the highlights of the Hanover show was VW’s reveal of an electric concept version of its new Crafter.

The manufacturer claimed the E-Crafter is close to a production-ready model that will come to market next year.

It added that the E-Crafter’s load space and carrying ability has not been compromised by its battery, which is stored under the load bed’s floor, and said the van could handle a payload of 1.7-tonnes with a load volume of 11.3m³.

The manufacturer claimed the electric van would be able to cover at least 125 miles between charges, powered by a 100-kilowatt electric motor with a maximum permitted speed of 50mph and torque of up to 290Nm. It said the battery could be charged to 80% capacity within 45 minutes.

VW claimed the E-Crafter was designed with future battery developments in mind, which could increase range to 250 miles and mean the vehicle could effectively operate beyond city limits.

The electric concept is distinguished from its diesel stablemates by blue metallic paintwork, matching blue bumpers, protective side strips, a blue bar on the radiator grille and C-shaped daytime running lights.

The cockpit features a power metre instead of a rev counter, a leather steering wheel with blue stitching and black seats with blue trimming.

The cargo space has been fitted out with racking from Sortimo.

Continuing its electric theme, VW also launched a production-ready E-Load-up small delivery van in Hanover. The two-seater city van has a 360kg payload, a 1.0m3 load volume and a range of 100 miles.

What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide