New Volkswagen Transporter to be offered with electric powertrain

Volkswagen’s Transporter will be available with fully-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains for the first time when the next-generation model is launched at the beginning of next year.

Diesel engines will also be available in the seventh-generation of the model, which also offers more space, greater payload and increased maximum trailer weight than its predecessor.

Based on the same platform as the Ford Transit Custom, the Transporter will be available as a panel van, a panel van “Plus” (load compartment, seats in the second row, various partitions), crewbus (focused on passenger transport) and as a double cab with platform body and long wheelbase.

The crewbus and panel van versions are optionally available with a high roof and an extended wheelbase.

Volkswagen has also launched a new version of its Transporter-based minibus – Caravelle. This offers nine seats, and will be available as an entry-level version, with a mid-range Life equipment specification, and a top-of the-range Style version. This will also be available with an extended wheelbase.

The stowage volume in the panel van Transporter with a normal wheelbase and roof has increased by more than 10% to 5.8cu m. The long wheelbase and high roof versions have a cargo capacity of 9.0cu m.

The maximum payload is up to 1.33 tonnes – also an increase of 10% - while Volkswagen has increased the maximum trailer weight by 0.3 tonnes to reach up to 2.8 tonnes (braked, with 12% gradient).

New Transporter will also be available with a choice of seven powertrains: three battery electric, one plug-in hybrid and three diesels.

The e-Transporter launches with three different motors (136PS, 218PS and 286PS), with a 64kWh battery. Volkswagen has not yet announced their WLTP range.

The eHybrid PHEV has a system output of 232PS, while the TDI diesel engines produce 110PS, 150PS and 170PS.

The 170PS TDI is always combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is optionally available for the 150PS model as an alternative to the six-speed transmission.

All models feature a redesigned cockpit which has a 12-inch fully digital instrument panel and a 13-inch central touchscreen.

It also integrates various USB and 12V sockets as well as the option to add one or, in the case of the plug-in hybrid and electric models, up to three 230V sockets.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is standard, along with LED headlights, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.

Both the Transporter as a panel van and the Caravelle are available in the PanAmericana all-terrain versions.