New electric van vision presented by Volkswagen 04 March 2013

One of the stars of this week's (4 March 2013) Geneva Motor Show will be a new concept vehicle for the transporter market, courtesy of Volkswagen.

The e-Co-Motion promises to be "compact and manoeuvrable", despite offering 800kg of payload capacity. It's also claimed to have boosted clean credentials, thanks to an electric drive system.

"Electric mobility – especially in light commercial vehicles – could play a crucial role in meeting the growing transport needs of the world's megacities," insists Dr Eckhard Scholz, for Volkswagen.

"Freight trains and conventional or hybrid-powered high capacity lorries would deliver goods up to the city limits. Then, at transfer stations, smaller electric delivery vans would take over," he reasons.

"Their predictable travel routes and fixed depots would simplify battery charging and equipment maintenance," he explains.

The e-Co-Motion has a small vehicle footprint, and has been designed for good visibility and seating ergonomics, with easy entry, exit and walk-through.

The German manufacturer also says that loading is easier as a result of a low cargo floor height and large capacity.

Interestingly, there is clear partitioning of the vehicle body into a lower driving zone, containing an under-floor drive unit, battery and gearbox, with an upper superstructure for delivery tasks.

VW says that this configuration allows space to be maximised, while a range of body styles can be offered – such as a passenger shuttle, low platform or refrigerated box.

Author
Johnb Challen

Related Companies
Volkswagen Audi Group UK Ltd

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