The Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo might be attracting everybody’s attention, but it falls short for many businesses, with the traditional Transporter panel van offering a more practical solution to many. ABT e-Line now provides increased flexibility by electrifying Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 models for customers.
With Volkswagen removing the e-Transporter from its range of commercial vehicles in the UK, leaving only the compact ID Buzz Cargo as a pure-electric panel van, ABT e-Line’s offering provides a range of short and long wheelbase options, varying roof heights, and even platform and chassis cab choices thanks to a comprehensive conversion programme.
Electric Drivetrain
The Bavarian experts take an existing Transporter — any diesel model with a DSG automatic gearbox will do — and convert it to an electric model, using their experience building the discontinued e-Transporter for Volkswagen.
Fitted with a 37.3kWh battery pack, the converted model can cover between 65 and 85 miles, according to WLTP testing, depending on the van’s configuration and weight. The lowest consumption provides 2.3 miles per kWh of battery power, broadly similar to other electrically powered rivals.
Peak power is 113hp, with 200Nm of torque, giving a maximum speed of 56mph. This can be optionally raised to 75mph, although this will hit energy consumption significantly.
Recharging the van takes around 5.5 hours from a regular home charger, making it easy to top up overnight. Fast charging at speeds of up to 50kW means an 80% charge can be completed in just 45 minutes.
Specific Use Cases
While a limited range and performance will mean that the ABT e-Line-converted Transporter will be unsuitable for many businesses, there are plenty of applications where the switch to electric power makes sense, especially as more cities introduce low-emission zones and road charging schemes.
The conversion is particularly interesting for vehicles with expensive conversions or superstructures, such as refuse trucks, tippers, refrigerated trucks or cherry pickers.
Businesses with a fleet vehicle suffering an engine fault may see an obvious financial justification. Extending the life of an existing vehicle is also likely cheaper and more environmentally friendly than swapping a van for a new model.
Likewise, with delivery times for new vehicles frequently extending beyond 12 months and longer for conversions, ABT’s ability to provide a conversion quickly will appeal to some sectors.
Conversion Costs
A Volkswagen Transporter donor van needs to be provided, with ABT e-Line then charging €19,900
(£17,500) for the conversion kit. Installation and other costs add a further €3,950 (£3,500) depending on the base vehicle specifications.
“The conversion is carried out by us in just a few days”, explains Eric Plekkepoel, CEO of ABT e-Line GmbH. “This measure is not only particularly sustainable because it produces significantly fewer CO2 emissions than building a new vehicle, but also has numerous advantages for customers.”
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