Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has rolled out a production-ready e-Crafter electric concept van at the commercial vehicle show in Hanover.
The Crafter, a large van line once co-developed with Mercedes-Benz is now an in-house model. Electric power as a drive system variant was planned from the start of the all-VW current generation and sales start in 2017.
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Cargo space is unchanged at 11.3 cubic metres and a maximum cargo space height of 1,961 millimetres. The load width available between the wheel arches is 1,380mm and the maximum cargo space length is 4,855mm.
With a permitted total weight of 4.2 tonnes, the roadworthy concept vehicle is accelerated by the 100-kilowatt electric motor up to the maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h (50mph). Maximum torque is 290 Newton metres and maximum load 1,709 kilograms.
The concept vehicle's battery pack, made up of 312 cells with capacity of 43 kilowatt hours, is accommodated under the cargo floor. The cargo space capacity thus remains unchanged. Depending on vehicle configuration, the battery unit enables a range of more than 200 kilometres. Subject to sufficient charging current capacity, the batteries can also be charged back up to 80% in 45 minutes.
The design already takes into account future battery developments, with which – depending on customer requirements and specification – freely configurable ranges of up to 400 kilometres become possible.
The concept has special blue metallic paint, matching painted bumpers and protective side strips and a blue bar on the radiator grille. Signature C-shape daytime running lights identify all VW electric vehicles.
The cockpit differs from the diesel versions in that it has a power meter in place of a rev counter, a leather steering wheel with blue decorative stitching and titanium black seats with blue trim.
The show vehicle has a ProSafe load-lashing system, Flex-Rack set-up and Globelyst shelving system, from upgrade specialists Sortimo. The concept also houses a service station in which replacement batteries for cargo e-bikes can be stored and charged.
