German automotive giant Volkswagen has opened the UK order books for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ first fully electric van, the ABT eTransporter 6.1, with prices starting at £42,060 ($A74,000) and accompanied by a zero-per cent finance offer.
Launched earlier this year, the ABT eTransporter 6.1 offers an all-electric range of up to 132-kilometres (82-miles) and boasts cargo space of 6.7m3.
With flexible charging options including options which allow for 80% charge in only 45 minutes, Volkswagen is pushing the new fully electric van’s combination of “quiet and smooth driving, instant torque, fast charging and high load capacity.”
Delivering a maximum power of 110PS (83kW) and a commendable 0-100kph time of 17.4 seconds, the ABT eTransporter 6.1 is powered by an onboard lithium-ion battery which supplies power to both the on-board electrics and the motor.
It is fitted with regenerative braking which recovers energy lost when braking and fed back into the battery, the eTransporter also features a modified dual clutch transmission DSG which, when Drive is selected, allows the motor to deliver 75% to maximise range, while the kickdown function on the gear shift provides 100% power and torque to maximise performance.
The ABT eTransporter 6.1 also comes with a Combined Charging System (CCS) socket providing flexible charging options, allowing charging by either a DC charging CCS socket or an AC Type 2 charging plug. A Type 2 charging cable is included as standard, with AC charging at up to 7.2kW using a wallbox which can charge the battery in around five and a half hours.
The DC charging, meanwhile, allows charging up to 50kW using its CCS connector which allows charging up to 80% in only 45 minutes – ideal for business vans working a busy shift pattern and which need to be out on the road.
Pricing for the ABT eTransporter 6.1 Panel van starts from £42,060 ($A74,000), adding the Advance trim pushes the price up to £45,360 ($A79,700), while the kombi crew van and kombi crew van Advance are priced from £46,375 ($A81,500) and £49,985 ($A), respectively (all UK prices exclude VAT).
To further incentivise purchase of the ABT eTransporter 6.1, Volkswagen is offering a finance package which enables customers to secure zero per cent APR on hire purchase (HP), with a minimum 40 per cent deposit – where the ABT eTransporter 6.1 Panel van is available on contract hire from £415 per month.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.