Fully electric option for new Volkswagen Transporter
This is the new Volkswagen Transporter. I say new – ‘facelifted’ seems more fitting.
They’re calling it the T6.1 and you’ll notice it’s not too dissimilar to the current T6 model. Also known as the Multivan, Caravelle or California depending on which version you buy, it’s an iconic line of vans, campers and minibuses and it’s undergone some minor tweaks.
Among the changes are a new grille, updated headlights, taillights and bumpers, and new alloy options. It looks smart but I can’t say I’m a massive fan of that colour scheme. There’s updated tech, too, with new driver assistance systems such as automatic parking, trailer assist and a crosswind stabilisation system. There’s also new digital dials and wireless smartphone connectivity.
The headline, though, is a new fully electric engine developed with the help of tuning specialists ABT. The massive 77.6kWh battery produces 110bhp and has a range of up to 300 miles. If we’re being realistic, though, driving styles and load weight would contribute to the range being reduced substantially. There are still 2.0-litre TDI options, with the most powerful version putting out 196bhp.
The Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 goes on sale this autumn.
What do you think about the prospect of a fully electric van? Would you consider it over a reliable diesel engine with a much larger range and more power? Let us know in the comments section below or via our a Facebook and Twitter pages.