Volkswagen e-Crafter Electric Van Review

The Volkswagen e-Crafter Van at a glance

Aimed at couriers, craftsmen and other ‘last-mile’ deliverers, the Volkswagen e-Crafter was designed with input from UK businesses, including Gatwick and Heathrow airports, and is everything you’d expect of a big electric van.

Large electric vans like these are designed for a specific target audience: ‘last-mile’ urban, multi-drop delivery routes, where volume rather than the outright weight of the cargo is important.

They’re designed to allow urban delivery companies and drivers to keep operating in low- or zero-emission zones, which are expected to become increasingly prevalent in dense city centres in the not-too-distant future.

The e-Crafter has been designed to tailor to these customers, by using the same 35kW lithium-ion battery as the e-Golf, here capable of an estimated 107-mile range and able to be recharged to 80% from a 40kW DC combined charging system in around 45 minutes.

As with any electric vehicle, the e-Crafter is slightly on the pricy side, however, once you’ve made the purchase, you’ll benefit from reduced operating costs and lower maintenance.

The Volkswagen e-Crafter is available at Van Sales UK for £469 + VAT.

Keep reading to learn more about the engines and specs and interior design of this popular vehicle.

Engines and Spec

With a 35kW lithium-ion battery and an estimated 107-mile range, the Volkswagen e-Crafter can be 80% charged in around 45 minutes.

While Volkswagen claimed that the vehicle can drive up 107 miles once fully charged, it is likely to be a bit less as weather, traffic conditions, road types, driving style, onboard equipment use and payload will all affect the total range achievable.

The battery of the e-Crafter has been improved from its predecessor by adding a 35kW battery beneath the floor – and therefore lowering the centre of gravity – which has only made it feel even more planted and stable. Even when unladen, it feels planted and stable on the road.

The ride is also incredibly comfortable, light and velvety soft and the absence of a diesel engine ensures a quiet, peaceful journey. What’s more, the e-Crafter benefits from not having a gearbox; the uninterrupted, instantaneous torque from its motor makes it quick and smooth.

Keep reading to find out more about the interior of this impressive electric van.

Interior

If you’re looking for a spacious and comfortable van to work in, the Volkswagen e-Crafter might be the van for you.

The e-Crafter has the same sturdy and straightforward interior finish owners of other Volkswagen commercial models will be familiar with, boating a spacious front cabin as the ideal place to spend the working day.

Storage is plentiful in this van, with three open-top compartments, two cupholders and a central storage compartment in the spilt-level dashboard.

What’s more, the e-Crafter has a functional and high-quality dashboard, with clear analogue dials behind the steering wheel and an infotainment screen mounted between the two air vents in the centre of the cabin.

Post-collision braking and crosswind assistance systems boost safety, while other standard features include LED headlights, an automatic air-conditioning system, seat heating and a heated windscreen, plus comfortable, luxury seats.

It also has large door pockets suitable for water bottles and there’s a fold-down tray in the back of the central seat that doubles up as extra storage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Luxury, high-quality interior with comfortable seats

• Plenty of storage space

• Advanced safety systems

Cons

• Driving range is relatively short

• Slightly pricey

The Verdict

Overall, the Volkswagen e-Crafter van is a competitive van with bundles of benefits.

If you’re seeking a velvety smooth, comfortable and quiet ride with plenty of storage to work in, this van is the ideal choice for you.

With a 35kW lithium-ion battery and an estimated 107-mile range, the Volkswagen e-Crafter can be 80% charged in around 45 minutes, making it a quick and cost-effective way to complete your deliveries or jobs without damaging the environment.

Like all electric vehicles, this van is on the pricier side, however, the range of safety features, drivability and interiors make it worth the price. Featuring a functional and high-quality dashboard, with clear analogue dials behind the steering wheel and an infotainment screen mounted between the two air vents in the centre of the cabin, this van has everything you need to make your journey more enjoyable.

Silent running, instant torque and an automatic gearbox take out a lot of the stress of driving a commercial vehicle.

This in-demand van is available at Van Sales UK for £469 + VAT.

If you are looking to find out more about what the Volkswagen e-Crafter van has to offer, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our professional team here at Van Sales UK today. We are always on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have and point you in the right direction.