VW e-Co-Motion van - the next Caddy?

Published Mar 5, 2013

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The e-Co-Motion concept is VW's way of telling the world that hard-working panel vans can be eco-friendly too.

Slightly larger than a Caddy, we can't help but wonder if its design gives us a taste of VW's next compact van or perhaps even the next Transporter/Kombi/Caravelle series.

VW Commercial Vehicles board spokesman Dr. Eckhard Scholz, believes that city-based delivery vans should be designed to exclusively utilise electric drive systems.

In the case of this concept van, the electric drive unit is mounted to the back axle together with a single-speed planetary gearbox to achieve large wheel turning angles at the front axle.

The end result is a turning circle of just 8.95 metres, which is something any delivery driver will cheer on with enthusiasm.

The e-Co-Motion's electric motor has a continuous power output of 50kW, but when called upon it can put out 85kW and 270Nm for short spurts.

Furthermore, its three-stage modular battery concept allows different-sized batteries to be installed depending on the buyer's requirements. This would allow the van to achieve a driving range of either 100, 150 or 200km.

Inside the cockpit, the e-Co-Motion has a simple and uncluttered control centre and there are plenty of practical storage solutions for tools, documents and freight goods.

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