VW unveils eT! – the walkable electric delivery van

Worker's compensation claims for the postal service in Germany may be a thing of the past, if Volkswagen's innovative new automotive concept makes it into production.

Named the eT!, the electric van has made its debut at the Design Centre of Potsdam in Germany. The project has been backed by both Deutsche Post AG (the German post office) and the University of Art in the German city of Braunschweig.

“We analysed process flows and customer needs in detail, and from these analyses we derived ideas on how the segment of delivery and courier vehicles could be further developed over the long term, ” said Doctor Jürgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research. Dr Leohold was explaining the rationale behind the development of the eT!.

“In this context, we focused on zero-emissions driving and available space in urban areas, semi-automatic driving functions that offer relevant support and simplify work processes and the integration of new communication technologies. On top of that, we also set out to design a very emotionally appealing commercial vehicle. To attain these goals, our teams not only looked towards the future from the past, but also worked from a future perspective to implement an advanced development concept based on technologies available today.”

Using lightweight materials and an electrically-powered drive system, the eT! is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of a large fleet like the one operated by the post office, as well as the total running costs. As we've reported elsewhere, 30 per cent of German energy production is now classified as renewable and the European nation is steadily moving away from not only carbon-producing power generation, but even nuclear power generation.

But the eT!'s innovation doesn't end with a zero-emissions drive system, which is actually not such a new idea in commercial vehicles. The concept vehicle introduces a semi-automatic control system for the driver to operate the vehicle without returning to the vehicle's conventional driving position.

“The eT! research vehicle,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, spokesperson for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, “unifies a whole gamut of innovative functions, which will gain in future importance, specifically for logistics businesses.

“In particular, the possibility of driving the car semi-automatically – and electrically – in downtown areas unifies economical and environmental aspects more systematically than ever. As a vision of the future, the eT! Is showcasing what is the maximum feasible technology for electric vehicles in the commercial market today with a special design that systematically addresses future customer needs.”

Just like a well behaved dog, the eT! will follow the driver in 'follow me' mode as he or she moves from house to house, delivering packages. Alternatively the vehicle can home in on the driver with a 'come to me' command. There's also a 'drive stick' function that can be operated from the passenger side of the vehicle, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle from one point to another without the need to re enter the cabin. Integrated with this function is a 'standing seat' to allow the driver to ride the vehicle from outside as he or she guides it using the drive stick. In addition — and for the sake of quick access to parcels — the electrically-operated sliding door on the passenger side can open in two stages.

There are no concrete plans to put the eT! into production, but Volkswagen is currently conducting a driving test study based around the concept and also anticipates other business applications for the eT! and its derivatives.

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