Volkswagen unveils electric e-Crafter concept vehicle at IAA show

The IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover saw the new electric e-Crafter concept vehicle unveiled.

Although a concept vehicle, Volkswagen say the e-Crafter will “already be in customers’ hands by 2017.”

While it has an electric drive system, its cargo compact is still unimpaired and there are no changes to the overall dimensions.

With a permitted total weight of 4.2 tonnes the roadworthy concept vehicle is accelerated by the 100-kilowatt electric motor up to the maximum permitted speed of 50mph.

The concept vehicle's battery pack, which is made up of 312 cells and has a total capacity of 43 kilowatt hours, is accommodated under the cargo space floor so capacity remains unchanged. Depending on vehicle configuration, the battery unit enables a range of more than 125 miles. Subject to sufficient charging current capacity, the batteries can also be charged back up to 80 per cent in 45 minutes.

The e-Crafter's design already takes into account future battery developments, with which – depending on customer requirements and specification – freely configurable ranges of up to 250 miles become possible.

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