The Volkswagen Transporter is now in its seventh generation. But while its rich heritage can exclusively be accredited to vans propelled by the internal combustion engine, it could be argued the electric version of this legendary van is only just coming of age.
Previous electric iterations of the model were criticised as being poor adaptations of their diesel siblings and fell short of competitors in terms of battery range – just 82 miles – and load-carrying capacity.
Developed in conjunction with conversion partner ABT e-line, which also converted diesel Transporter T6.1 vans to electric power, the e-Transporter very much played second fiddle to the poster boy of Volkswagen’s electric van line-up, the ID. Buzz Cargo.
While the ID. Buzz Cargo is exclusively a VW product, the e-Transporter, together with the rest of the T7 range, has resulted from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ product-sharing partnership with Ford and shares a platform with the Ford E-Transit Custom. Volkswagen is confident the new e-Transporter will take it to the top of the class.
The manufacturer says the e-Transporter does not overlap with the ID. Buzz Cargo because the latter has a smaller load volume of 3.9m3.
The rear-wheel drive e-Transporter is offered in the UK with outputs of 136hp and 218hp coupled with peak torque of 430Nm. Both versions come with a lithium-ion battery with a useable capacity of 65kWh. A fast charge to 80% capacity is possible in 40 minutes while an 11kW onboard charger can give a full battery recharge in under eight hours.
The e-Transporter is up for grabs in Commerce Plus (with both 136hp and 218hp) and Commerce Pro (218hp only) specifications, with prices ranging from £41,965 to £48,705, excluding VAT and the Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG), which clips an additional £5,000 from the starting price.
Load volumes are 5.8m3 for the SWB van and 6.8m3 for the LWB version. Volkswagen has said a high-roof model will join the line-up in the fourth quarter of the year, offering a load space of up to 9m3. A double-cab-in-van, including a chassis version, is also expected to become available.
Having sampled the L1H1 218hp e-Transporter in Commerce Pro trim in left-hand drive (LHD) on the continent, driven here on UK roads in right-hand drive (RHD) is the SWB 136hp Commerce Plus.
Performance and drive
Customers opting for the lower power output should not feel short changed. The van still zips away from a standing start, albeit without a load in the back. Making use of the 1,013kg payload capacity would no doubt dampen down the acceleration a notch while also reducing bounciness over speed humps and poor-quality road surfaces, which to be fair are already well suppressed with ride quality being one of the van’s strong points.
A steering wheel-mounted stalk allows the driver to select ‘D’ drive, ‘R’ reverse, ‘N’ neutral or ‘P’ park settings and there is also a ‘B’ button for regenerative braking.
Unlike most other electric vans, there is just one level of retardation offered in the ‘B’ setting. It is strong enough to enable one-pedal driving in most urban situations but slows the van’s speed so rapidly that it makes coasting almost impossible. This means the driver must press the throttle frequently to maintain progress, using up more energy as a result.
Driving modes are selected by pressing a button in the centre of the dashboard, which then displays a choice of modes on the generous 13in touchscreen including Eco, Normal and Sport. When reverse is engaged, an excellent camera view takes over the screen to help with rear parking manoeuvres. Audible parking sensors provide protection to both the front and rear of the vehicle. A 12in display on the dash complements the touchscreen to give the driver information about the vehicle such as state of charge and remaining battery range.
While engine noise is obviously not an issue with an electric van, the e-Transporter’s interior is well-insulated against road and wind noise.
Interior
As ever with Volkswagen, build quality is class leading. A six-way adjustable driver’s seat, armrests, lumbar support and efficient air-conditioning, particularly welcome in the June heatwave, all help to create a comfortable environment for cabin occupants.
Storage in the cabin is decent with a lidded glove box, open shelf, and cupholders at either end of the dashboard plus a pull-out cupholder in the centre console. There is a space to put a mobile phone, but with a push button fitted to start the van, it can be tricky to find a spot for your keys. The offside passenger seat lifts up to reveal a space that comes in handy to store a charging cable. This storage compartment can also be reached from inside the load bay via a magnetic door in the bulkhead, which is a neat touch, and the middle passenger seat back folds down to make a desktop.
| Model | Volkswagen e-Transporter Commerce Plus 136hp SWB |
| Price (ex VAT, inc PIVG) | £36,965 |
| Price range (ex VAT, inc PIVG) | £36,965-£43,705 |
| Warranty | 5yrs/124,000mls (battery 8yrs) |
| Service intervals | 2yrs/unlimited mls |
| Load length | 2,602mm |
| Load width (min/max) | 1,392mm/1,777mm |
| Load bay height | 1,433mm |
| Gross payload | 1,013kg |
| Load volume | 5.8m3 |
| Engine size/power | 136hp electric motor with 65kWh battery |
| Range (WLTP) | 198 miles |
| CO2 | 0g/km |
| On sale | March 2025 |
| Key rival | Ford E-Transit Custom |
| Verdict | The new e-Transporter is a huge improvement on its predecessor and gives VW an electric medium van to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its ICE sibling. |
| Score | 9/10 |
