New Volkswagen Transporter Line to Be Crowned with 236-Mile EV

The next-generation Volkswagen Transporter is set to make its debut in 2024, and it will come with a range of new features and options. Developed in collaboration with Ford, the new Transporter will offer pure-electric power for the first time, along with plug-in hybrid and diesel options.

The Volkswagen Transporter is an incredibly popular van, accounting for two-thirds of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ total sales. It will be twinned with the Ford Transit Custom, which is the best-selling vehicle in the UK. Both vans will be manufactured at the Ford Otosan factory in Turkey.

When it launches, the Transporter will be available in various configurations, including a nine-seater Shuttle, a two-row Kombi, and a cargo-carrying panel van. There are also rumors of a Sportline trim, although this has not been confirmed yet.

Interestingly, the new Transporter will not serve as the basis for the new California camper. Instead, the California model will be derived from the MQB-platformed Multivan MPV. According to VWCV boss Carsten Intra, this decision was made to ensure that the Multivan offers a higher level of comfort and luxury compared to the Transporter.

Intra stated, “A Multivan has to be much more comfortable and much more upscale [than the Transporter]. This is why we now have two line-ups.” He also mentioned that the Transporter will be their only multi-traction vehicle, as building another platform for the same vehicle would be too expensive.

The new Transporter will offer a range of drivetrain options, including diesel, petrol-electric hybrid, and pure-electric. It is expected to use Ford’s batteries, electric motors, engines, gearboxes, and chassis structures across its lineup. The electric version of the Transporter, known as the E-Transporter, will likely have a range of 236 miles and offer rear-axle-mounted motors with a choice of 134bhp or 215bhp.

Ford has already revealed some technical specifications for the E-Transit Custom, which will likely be similar to the Transporter’s electric version. The E-Transit Custom will have full towing capability, thanks to its 318lb ft of torque, and its battery can be charged at up to 125kW.

In terms of design, the VW and Ford vans will have similar dimensions and be less than 2m tall for easy maneuverability in urban areas. However, the Transporter will have a distinct design that sets it apart from the Ford. Intra mentioned that the Transporter has been judged internally at Ford, and everyone has deemed it to be better.

Inside, the new Transporter is expected to take inspiration from the more upscale Multivan. Pricing for the new model is expected to start above the current entry point of £35,000 for the Transporter, while the new Ford Transit Custom starts from £33,000.

Overall, the next-generation Volkswagen Transporter is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the van market. With its collaboration with Ford, it will offer a range of powertrain options to cater to different customer needs. Whether it’s pure-electric power, plug-in hybrid efficiency, or traditional diesel performance, the new Transporter will have something for everyone. Keep an eye out for its arrival in 2024.