Volkswagen Crafter Tipper vs Volkswagen e-Crafter Electric Tipper
Being one of the oldest vans on the market, it comes as no surprise that the Volkswagen Crafter sits as one of the most reliable of vans that remains popular today, with its various improvements and facelifts over the years to contend with newer, modern vans, it is also one of the most drivable and practical vans as well. Featuring a tipper body made from the highly reputable manufacturer Inginimex, the Volkswagen Crafter Tipper is an all-round favourite choice for those working in the construction, landscaping or arboriculture industries.
As is the future of vans, many manufacturers are now coming out with electric versions of their combustion vehicles. The Volkswagen Crafter is no exception. Boasting the same practicalities and stylish design as the diesel model, the Volkswagen e-Crafter Tipper comes with its own unique beneficial features that the diesel can’t offer, but which is best for you? Read on to find out.
Engines and Spec
When comparing the two Crafters, the most obvious difference comes in terms of engines, transmission and driving performance, as expected. The diesel Crafter comprises a 2.0-litre TDI engine with an output of 140bhp, using a 6-speed manual transmission as standard.
In comparison, the e-Crafter gets its power from a 35kW lithium-ion battery located under the floor, which doesn’t only leave loading space maximised, but lowers the centre of gravity and makes for a feeling of more stability when driving. Although the e-Crafter only has a slightly lesser horsepower of 134bhp than the Crafter, it has a limited maximum speed of 56mph. This significantly impacts the e-Crafter’s capabilities when it comes to motorway driving, something which its diesel counterpart can manage easily.
Despite this, it does mean that the e-Crafter can manage a range of approximately 100 miles on a full charge, which is impressive for such a small battery pack. Being the size that it is, the battery is also capable of fast charging, reaching 80% charge in as little as 45 minutes from a DC fast charger, whereas a standard AC wall charger achieves a full charge in 5.5 hours. Of course, this range is much less than what the diesel Crafter can achieve before needing to be fueled up, although in terms of efficiency the e-Crafter comes out on top with the better mpg.
The e-Crafter also forgoes the use of a gearbox, making for an incredibly smooth drive, which you can read more about in our e-Crafter Tipper review. Though the diesel Crafter does have a gearbox and is slightly less smooth to drive, having 6-speed transmission allows for a relatively comfortable, albeit noisy, drive for a large diesel vehicle.
Interior
For those who are familiar with the comfortable and car-like feel of the cabin in the Crafter, then you’ll be glad to know that the only difference you’ll find in the e-Crafter is the instrument cluster in front of the driver, which reflects the necessary information regarding the vehicle’s charge and range. Other than that, the cabin boasts many ergonomic and intuitive features along with plentiful storage solutions – as we’ve discussed in our review on the Crafter Tipper.
Both use the same tipper body, made exclusively for Crafter Tipper vans by Ingimex. This offers 2026mm by 3119mm of loading space, complete with a 600mm tailboard featuring side-mounted locks for convenience and safety, ideal for anyone who is required to transport and remove heavy loads of loose materials for their work.
For those who also need their tipper van to transport multiple workers at the same time, then the double cab option offers three extra passenger seats to carry the whole crew without compromising loading space, as the same tipper body is attached on the back of the chassis. If this sounds ideal for you, then you should note that the double cab option is only available with the Crafter Tipper
The Verdict/Snap shot
With identical interiors and loading capabilities, both the Volkswagen Crafter and e-Crafter offer high practicality to their drivers. Determining which is better suited to you, then, ultimately comes down to how the driving capacities of each perform against your driving needs.
If you need a tipper van to regularly make motorway journeys, then the diesel Crafter Tipper clearly comes out on top. With more power, higher speeds and the ability to travel longer distances in one go, it is the more suitable choice for people who travel long distances or constantly travel to new places across the country with their tipper van as part of their job. For urban driving, however, the e-Crafter Tipper is more efficient to drive. With its high speed of 56mph you will not be limited when driving in these areas, and a range of 100 miles will comfortably get you from A to B each day – a range which is still suitable for those in more rural areas and may have a bit further to travel.
Of course, there is also the obvious benefit of being exempt from any congestion charges, further aiding in the cost-effectiveness of the e-Crafter, which is more efficient and cheaper to run, although it is more expensive to buy outright than the diesel Crafter.
Whichever Volkswagen Crafter Tipper is best suited to you, at Van Sales UK we are able to offer you financing options including lease hire, so you can benefit from driving your perfect, brand new, van at an affordable price and payment plan.
Enquire now if you would like to find out more about the Volkswagen Crafter and e-Crafter Tippers, or if you wish to know what other new vans we currently stock.
