New 2022 Volkswagen Abt e-Transporter Review, For Sale, Redesign – Abt eTransporter T6.1 is Volkswagen’s sole zero-emissions van. The larger eCrafter, smaller eCaddy, and smaller eCaddy are available in Europe, but not in right-hand drive markets. The eTransporter, as the name implies, is not a fully-fledged VW product. It was created by Abt, an independent contractor who has a history of developing Volkswagens and Audis. However, Abt is now turning its attention to electric drivetrain technology thanks to its participation in Formula E racing.
2022 Volkswagen Abt e-Transporter Review
Powertrain
In 2022, thermal electric Transporter, which is likely to be called ID. Buzz Cargo, is due to arrive. This van is available to help absorb some of the large demand for electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs). Abt fitted an eTransporter with running gear that includes a 108 bhp electric motor to drive the front wheels and a 37.3kWh storage battery. It is essentially the same technology as the now-discontinued e-Golf, so it isn’t cutting-edge. The e-Transporter’s range of performance and capabilities are a little disappointing. The claimed driving range of the device is only 82 miles, compared to 93 miles for the Mercedes eVito or 143 for Vauxhall Vivaro e. Top speed is restricted to 56 mph to preserve range. A rapid charge from a 50kW public charging point takes approximately 45 minutes to reach 80% capacity. While a full charge from the 7.2kW wallbox, which can be installed at home or on a business premises, will take around five hours.
Mounting the battery pack low in the floor, as is the case with all fully electric vans means that there has been no encroachment of the eTransporter’s load area. It has the same 6.7-meter volume as the diesel van. The maximum payload on the eTransporter is slightly lower than the diesel at less than a tonne. This is because electric vans such as the eTransporter are geared towards delivery companies more concerned with volume than weight.
Specs
A ‘Kombi’ crewcab version is also available, which can carry up to six passengers. The panel-van features a steel bulkhead behind its cab. There are two doors on the sides and one at the back. A top-hinged rear tailgate can be purchased at no additional cost. An additional sliding side door is also available. A single sliding side door with a window is available on the Kombi, while a second pane has been added to the opposite side. The Kombi’s back has a tailgate that includes a wiper. Payload weights are one area where the eTransporter falls short. All electric models cannot carry more than one tonne of payload while all versions the 3.2-tonne diesel Transporter are capable of carrying more than one tonne. Electric vans are designed for last-mile delivery services where maximum cargo weight is more important than maximum weight.
There are two trim levels available: Advance and standard. Both are available in panel-van or Kombi crew-cab forms. The list price of any option will vary depending on which one you choose. However, with monthly leasing being the norm in van markets and ongoing running costs the deciding factor for most operators it may not matter to many. The eTransporter is comparable to other vans in that it is exempted from road tax and London Congestion Charge. It’s also cheaper to charge than a diesel-engined van and easier to service. Volkswagen charged PS399 for the initial three services, the MoT and the replacement of the brake fluid. The service is required once per year or every 25,000 km (whichever comes first), and an extended inspection is due at three years/75,000km. The eTransporter is very similar to the diesel version in terms of driving, but the eTransporter is quieter. Only higher speeds will you hear a tire roar, which is only noticeable at higher speeds. The VW is as fast off the line as any electric van but it quickly runs out of power. You can only get three-quarters its total 108bhp output by pushing the accelerator harder. This forces it to “kick down” into full-power mode.
Interior
The ride and handling are good. With the batteries located lower in the chassis, the e-Transporter has less tendency to bounce around and crash when empty than its counterpart. The interior is much the same as the regular Transporter. This is because you get the same high-quality materials as in Volkswagen passenger cars. There are cup holders in the dash top, door bins, and center console. USB ports and 12v sockets make it easy to charge phones, laptops, and other devices. Standard equipment includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen and an optional larger unit with satellite navigation.
New 2022 Volkswagen Abt e-Transporter For Sale
The eTransporter is an acceptable electric van package. However, there are better options that can travel further on a single charge and are cheaper to purchase. Volkswagen might regret not being more involved in the future electric-vehicle market.