Five new electric commercial vehicles from Volkswagen

Volkswagen suffered a dangerous controversy regarding the non-compliance of its vehicles’ emissions. Since then, it has proposed a facelift and has increasingly directed its efforts toward electric car technology.

Volkswagen wants to change public opinion regarding the controversy that arose some time ago over irregularities in certain models, in light of the new European policies on emissions.

That is why the German manufacturer, instead of making promises, wins people over with its actions. Today, Volkswagen presents a new line of commercial vehicles, 100% electric, and even hydrogen-powered, to take one more step toward caring for the environment, also in the professional transport sector.

This new line consists of 5 new vehicles: the BUZZ CARGO, the Crafter HyMotion, the ABT e-Caddy, the ABT e-Transporter, and the electric cargo bicycle, the Cargo e-Bike.

Below, we will look at the purpose of each of them and their main features:

BUZZ CARGO

A month ago, Volkswagen launched the first model of its new electric mobility campaign, the new e-Crafter. Now, on the occasion of the IAA Commercial Vehicles show 2018, the German manufacturer appears stronger than ever with the presentation of this new line.

The BUZZ CARGO is the first commercial vehicle based on the new I.D. family and the modular electric drive platform (MEB). This model will offer enormous space, an autonomous driving mode, and a digitalized cargo system, as well as a large range. According to the WLTP cycle, this vehicle can cover journeys of between 330 and 500 km thanks to its range.

Crafter HyMotion

The HyMotion is presented as an option using alternative fuels. It is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. It is designed for longer journeys; in fact, the longer the distance traveled, the more useful the hydrogen fuel cell becomes in large commercial vehicles.

Its tanks have a capacity of 7.5 kilos of hydrogen, which gives it more than 500 kilometers of range. Its refueling time is comparable to that of models powered by conventional fuels, which makes it even more attractive for professional use.

The only problem is that the infrastructure is not adapted to this type of fuel, which means that, despite being more attractive than the electric option, it is useless if you cannot refuel.

ABT e-Transporter

Volkswagen has been offering the Transporter line for seven decades. Now they are betting on incorporating electric power into this model. This prototype is a zero-emission van and is presented as the great favorite of this bet by the German manufacturer.

In its base configuration, the Transporter incorporates a lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 37.3 kWh, while its second version offers a capacity of 74 kWh. Its range will be around 200–400 kilometers.

ABT e-Caddy

It will reach the market in mid-next year. This vehicle is presented as a taxi, since in fact it is based on the Caddy Maxi, which means it offers plenty of space for its occupants and luggage. Its range is estimated at around 220 km and it is especially designed for urban use.

Cargo e-Bike

Volkswagen also aims to make history with the brand’s first electric tricycle. Conceived as a delivery vehicle for the “last kilometer”, it will be the most advanced in the world in its class.

This e-bike uses the pedelec system, that is, an electric vehicle operated through pedals, since thanks to this and a 250-watt motor it can recharge while being pedaled.

It can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h, powered by its lithium-ion battery. It supports a maximum load of 210 kg including the cyclist.