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NEWS
GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Volkswagen's electro-Kombi the next Transporter?
Short-haul electric LCV provides a clue as to how Volkswagen's 'T6' van will lookVolkswagen has released an artist’s impression of the e-Co-Motion, an electric-drive light commercial that hints at what the next-generation Transporter will be like.
The e-Co-Motion looks notably conservative alongside the company’s last electro-Kombi concept, the eT! revealed in 2011. No drive specs have appeared yet, but they have revealed that the e-Co-Motion is 300mm shorter than the company’s standard Transporter, and considerably smaller on the inside, with a payload rated at 4.6 cubic metres and 800kg, against the Transporter’ 5.8 cubic metres and 1318kg.
But this is an all-new vehicle, not a modification of the Transporter, which has been on sale in Australia since late 2004. That makes it ripe for replacement. The company says e-Co-Motion has been designed to maximise its space-to-footprint ratio, representing VW's vision of the freight logistics model of the future. That is, one that uses trains and hybrid powered large trucks between major delivery hubs, then sees cargo distributed among fleets of short-haul electric delivery vans, board spokesman Dr Eckhard Scholz told media in a statement.
“Electric mobility – especially in light commercial vehicles – could play a crucial role in meeting the growing transport needs of the world's megacities, Dr Scholz said. “Freight trains and conventional or hybrid-powered high capacity lorries would deliver goods up to the city limits. Then, at transfer stations, smaller electric delivery vans would take over.”
Volkswagen sees this as an ideal scenario for making use of all-electric vans. “Their predictable travel routes and fixed depots would simplify battery charging and equipment maintenance,” he added.
The bodywork has been horizontally partitioned into a “driving-relevant” lower zone with the electric motor, battery, power management unit and transmission underfloor, maximising utility and flexibility upstairs. While the show vehicle gives the area behind the cab over to a simple cargo box, Volkswagen has already mooted rear seating for passenger duties, a low trayback and cold storage – further hints that the e-Co-Motion is a basis for the next Transporter.
And if the electric motor is any indication, the next Transporter should be a modular design capable of handling numerous power sources, possibly including CNG.
For our full coverage head to motoring.com.au for the latest Geneva motor show news
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Written byJeremy Bass
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