Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched its first fully-electric van in the UK with prices for the zero-emission ABT eTransporter 6.1 starting from around £42,000.
Developed in collaboration with premium partner ABT e-Line, the ABT eTransporter 6.1 combines quiet and smooth driving with fast charging and high load capacity to create the ultimate zero-emissions urban logistics van.
The model has an all-electric range of up to 82 miles while still offering a cargo space of 6.7m3. Flexible charging options allow for 80 per cent charge in just 45 minutes.
Alice Axtell, Transporter Product Manager, said: "As part of our Working With You brand promise, having a range of vehicles and an electric solution is crucial.
"Although the EV market for vans is still small, the introduction of this model ensures customers know we're operating in this space and ready to respond to their requirements.
"This is a really exciting step to be able to announce pricing and keep those fleet customers who have expressed an interest in the electric Transporter up to date with progress.
"And of course it's all part of our electric transformation, and part of the journey to launching ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo in 2022."
The ABT eTransporter 6.1 can go from 0-62mph in just 17.4 seconds, a lightweight electric motor providing smooth and quiet driving, low maintenance requirements and instant maximum torque.
The driver is able to see the battery status from the instrument cluster, where the usual rev counter dial is replaced with a power meter.
The Combined Charging System (CCS) socket on the new ABT eTransporter 6.1 means flexible charging, combining the ability to power up the van's battery via both AC and DC.
Using a DC charger is the fastest way to charge the van, but AC charging at home is also an option using a wallbox. This will charge the lithium-ion battery in approximately five and a half hours.
The van has a DAB+ radio system with 6.5-inch touchscreen and four loudspeakers, SD card slot, Bluetooth handsfree and two USB interfaces in the dashboard.
Volkswagen AppConnect - which helps drivers bring smartphone apps onto your infotainment system's touchscreen - is included as standard. So is a comprehensive suite of driver support systems, including Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System, rear parking sensors and Crosswind Assist.
With its zero-emission status, all variants of the ABT eTransporter 6.1 are exempt from road tax (VED) and have unrestricted access to the London Ultra Low Emission Zone and Clean Air Zones.
For more details visit the Volkswagen Vans website.