The ABT specialist presents an electric Transporter

The ABT e-Transporter is the electric adaptation of the tuning specialist’s version of the Group Volkswagen T6

ABT Performance specialises in enhancing vehicles from the Group Volkswagen, particularly Audi vehicles. That is why we have already written about other proposals from this company, such as the brutal Audi A5 ABT, but on this occasion the approach is different. This is a Volkswagen Transporter named ABT e-Transporter.

Before looking at this vehicle, however, it is worth highlighting ABT’s connection to electric car technology. ABT is part of the Formula E grid with the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team. And it is no coincidence that the team carries this name: alongside the carmaker Audi itself, another specialist and technology partner in electric drive, Schaeffler, appears. It was responsible for that Audi electric RS3 which left many people speechless.

Volkswagen does not yet offer an electric passenger or leisure van. ABT has therefore decided to get ahead and make available to users of these vehicles, who will surely also be readers of DrivingEco, an electric Volkswagen T6.

ABT’s electric Volkswagen Transporter

Taking that van as its base, ABT’s electric-car specialist department ABT e-Line has turned the Volkswagen Transporter, a van with a combustion engine, into an electrified vehicle. In terms of performance, the electric motor of the ABT e-Transporter produces 82 kW, equivalent to 111.5 CV, and a maximum torque of 200 Nm.

As for the energy storage, the 37.3 kWh battery offers a range of up to 208 km. For long-distance travellers, a 74.6 kWh option will be offered later, which almost doubles the available energy and gives a maximum distance of almost 400 km. Recharging at a fast-charging station would take 49 minutes to bring the smaller battery up to 80%, or 98 minutes for the larger one.

The ABT e-Transporter also features an styling and performance package from the tuner, which includes, among other things, a redesigned bumper with exclusive grille and logos, a spoiler, ABT wheels and suspension. A kit that is also available for the Volkswagen Caravelle.

As for interior volume, this Volkswagen Transporter offers up to 6.7 cubic metres inside for cargo.

ABT e-Transporter ready for Geneva

And, far from being a prototype, the first ABT e-Transporter conversions will be delivered from the third quarter of 2019. There is also the possibility of fitting this kit to other variants, such as the Caravelle.

The first unit, corresponding to the prototype illustrated in this article, will be shown at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, held between 5 and 17 March in the Swiss city.