VW Crafter goes electric

Following an initial concept in 2016 and fleet trials in 2018, the all-electric version of Volkswagen’s Crafter van has now gone on sale in Germany and Norway. UK right-hand drive sales are expected in mid-2021.

The e-Crafter was developed in parallel with its sister vans powered by Euro VI diesel engines, rather than being retrofitted with an electric drive system, so the load compartment width and height are the same as a TDI Crafter, which will welcome news for campervan converters planning to build on the new model.

The lithium-ion battery is in the underbody, while the electric motor is integrated at the front of the van. It produces 134bhp of peak power and 290Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, at a charging station operating at 40kW DC, the battery can be charged to 80% of its capacity in 45 minutes. If a standard wallbox supplying 7.2kW AC is used, the battery can be charged to 100% in just over five hours.

With no on-road emissions, the e-Crafter is exempt from emission restrictions in cities such as Hamburg, London and Paris. The limiting factors at the moment are a range of 107 miles – not enough for most motorhomers’ requirements – as well as a top speed limited to 56mph.

The e-Crafter is also well-equipped, with ParkPilot (a parking assistant that includes 16 ultrasonic sensors around the van), a multifunction camera (front) and a reversing camera, an Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, crosswind assist, LED headlights, Climatronic automatic air-conditioning, seat heating, heated windscreen and Discover Media navigation system including App Connect for integrating smartphone apps, voice control and a mobile phone interface. 

In Germany, the e-Crafter is priced from €69,500, while UK prices have not yet been confirmed.

Volkswagen has also said within three years an electric version of the Transporter and the ID Buzz Cargo all-electric retro-styled van will be on the market. Slightly smaller than a T6, the ID Buzz Cargo is the first commercial vehicle to be developed on VW’s modular MED matrix, promising a range of 205 to 340 miles.