Volkswagen e-Crafter Concept Unveiled

MANILA: It seems like the German automaker is taking all the possible steps to improve its image after the Dieselgate emissions scandal. Whether it is initiating various recalls for emission tests or devising strategy to launch 5 electric vehicles in coming years, all hint towards VW plans to uplift its image. The next-generation of commercial vehicles from Volkswagen might be powered by electric motors, as at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles show, Volkswagen has revealed an all-electric concept. Called as the e-Crafter, the 2017 concept utilize the powertrain which is specifically designed to fulfill within city deliveries.

The automaker is planning to push this concept into production version and could be introduced as a new powertrain variant for the Crafter van. The Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said, “The first e-Crafter vehicles will be in hands of the customers by 2017.” According to the automaker, the concept is quite similar to what the production version will look like and holds a cargo length of 4,855 mm, load width of 1,3800 mm. While the cargo space measures 11.3 cubic meters and a luggage height space of 1,961 mm.

The concept holds the existing design language of the company, which is finished in Reef Blue Metallic, the e-Crafter concept gets the eye-catching C-shaped headlights, featuring daytime running lights (DRLs). One can also notice lighting accents on the front bumper, vinyl decals along the side and a blue bar that runs along the entire width of the front grille. Under the hood, the 312 cells power the e-Crafter’s battery pack. With a total capacity of 43 kWh the van can stretch a maximum range up to 208 km. The recharging of the battery pack will be done under 45 minutes through a 40 kW DC charger.

The manufacturer also confirmed that after launching the model in the market, it will replace the battery pack with a more powerful one, which can cover a range of 400 km in full charge. Apart from introducing a range of electric vehicles in near future, VW group has also joined hands with LG for technological advancement in its cars.