VW’s new electric commercial vehicles
Dr Thomas Sedran and the Crafter HyMotion.
A cargo version of the I.D. Buzz microbus, a fuel cell 3.5 tonne transporter, a cargo e-bike, a small van and a hybrid diesel-electric transporter are among Volkswagen’s electrified offerings.
Examples are at VW’s stand at the 67th IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Germany from September 20-27.
VW says it’s providing transport and logistical solutions for every job.
Dr Thomas Sedran and Heinz-Jurgen Low with the I.D. Buzz Cargo.
“We are just now working on solutions for the challenges of tomorrow, thinking ahead about sustainable mobility for our customers and for better air quality in our cities,” VW Commercial Vehicles management board chairman Dr Thomas Sedran says.
The VW Cargo e-Bike is a three-wheel cargo “pedelec” for last mile options. It can carry up to 210kg, including the rider, has a 250W mid-mounted motor and automatic gearbox and uses “tilt technology” to keep the load platform horizontal.
Tradesmen could use it to ride to maintenance and service jobs with climate neutrality, VW says.
The ABT e-Caddy and the ABT e-Transporter are two new, electrically powered solutions for urban traffic developed in cooperation with VWCV’s strategic partner ABT. Based on the e-Crafter, retrofit solutions have already been prepared for the small vans and city delivery vehicles arriving in early 2019.
Battery capacities are 36kWh and 72 kWh, providing a 200km or 400km range respectively.
The I.D. Buzz Cargo concept van takes a 800kg maximum load, has wide-opening rear doors, electric doors, shelving which can be customised, and offers connectivity such as a user control allowing ordering. All items can be tracked and delivered automatically if any replacements are needed. The van also has a roof solar module that reportedly can extend the range by up to 15km daily.
The Crafter HyMotion concept van is based on the e-Crafter, providing a successor model for long distances. The electrically powered 3.5-tonne van’s energy is supplied by a fuel cell, the 4.2kg hydrogen tank allowing a 350km range.
A second version is available with larger tanks for up to 500km range.
“This is still a concept vehicle, but the technical concept is already near-production,” VW Commercial Vehicles management board sales head Heinz-Jurgen Low says.
“We are conducting an intensive cost and benefit analysis to determine its market potential.”
VW has 50 vehicles in Hall 12 of the exhibition centre and 21 more in the outdoor exhibition area at the Hanover show.
Visitors can also test drive another 37 vehicles at the ADAC test track.
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