Volkswagen e-Crafter Concept Steals The Show In Hannover, Arrives Next Year

After screwing things up with diesel engines as revealed by the cheating emissions scandal, Volkswagen is now turning to electric mobility, with yet another concept – the e-Crafter.

Based on the latest generation model and unveiled at the 2016 IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, Germany, the van previews a production model set to arrive next year uses an electric motor, rated at 136 PS (134 HP) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque.

This is fed by a 43 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which doesn’t affect the payload capacity as it has been mounted under the cargo space floor. Depending on the configuration, the battery allows for a zero-emission range of more than 200 km (124 miles), and it can be recharged up to 80 percent in 45 minutes. However, the automaker states that future battery developments could eventually provide a range of up to 400 km (249 miles).

Setting itself apart from the diesel versions, the Volkswagen e-Crafter sports a special Reef Blue Metallic color, with matching bumpers, protective side strips and a blue bar on the radiator grille. The study also carries C-shape DRLs, which are a feature of the brand’s zero-emission vehicles.

Inside, there is a ‘power meter‘ instead of a rev counter, the seats have been decorated with titanium black and blue trim, and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather and comes with blue decorative stitching.

Carrying a maximum payload of 1,709 kg (3,768 lbs), the silent Crafter has the ProSafe load-lashing system, Flex-Rack setup and Globelyst shelving system, from Sortimo. The concept also features a service station, where replacement batteries for the e-bikes can be stored and charged.