Volkswagen eCrafter confirmed for 2017
Thu, 01 Dec 2016
Volkswagen has confirmed plans to launch an all-electric version of the Crafter panel van in the UK. Powered by a 100-kilowatt motor, the eCrafter will reach the UK in late 2017 and be capable of carrying 1.7 tonnes up to 129 miles on a single charge.
There are no details about pricing yet, but the Volkswagen eCrafter will initially be aimed at small fleets and limited to left-hand drive models for its 2017 runout.
With a permitted total weight of 4.2 tonnes, the eCrafter's 312 cell battery pack will take 45 minutes to charge from empty to 80 per cent. What's more, owing to the fact the battery pack is located under the cargo floor, the load space is the same as the diesel-powered version, with 11.3 cubic metres and a maximum cargo height of 1961mm.
The 100-kilowatt electric motor will produce 290Nm of torque - which is roughly the same as a standard 2.0-litre TDI Crafter - and the zero tailpipe emissions should make the eCrafter suitable for city-based delivery companies, universities, housing associations and utility firms.
The launch of the all-electric van will follow the new diesel-powered Crafter, which should reach showrooms by April 2017.
