VW ABT e-Transporter 6.1 electric van review | Edd China | What Car?

[@gtfire999]

Nice review Edd but 54mph and 80 miles range had me lost in under 3 mins.

[@DS-cf1zc]

My converted T6 campervan does about 600 miles on a long run - hmmm. Not sure the leccy ones are quite there yet. I will wait until they can do a decent distance, and we have a decent charging network, unlike the current mess.

[@staceyismine]

So your on a site you run out of charge 🤔what happens next........is there ev boost packs lol

[@livingladolcevita7318]

2.29 for me

[@alexstergaard3551]

@@DS-cf1zc Batteries are expensive. Fuel tanks are not. The goal simply is not trying to match the range of a diesel van 1-to-1. It's a about matching the range to the actual need of the driver. Why would anyone want to pay for enough batteries to make sure the van has a range of 600 miles - if it's ever only doing 30-40 miles a day. That kind of range only makes sense in a diesel van because you can't fill it back home in your garage every night. An 85 mile range isn't great. 120 miles would be better but is it worth an extra £6000 on the sticker for the intent customer segment?! Probably not! It just requires a change of mindset to realise it.

[@DS-cf1zc]

@@alexstergaard3551 Thank Alex, I understand the theory, challenges and pure cost - what I am waiting for is the reality that our science will bump the distance over charge rate considerably - we may never reach 600 miles, but 300 with 45 minute stop for a recharge, and then another 300 - I suspect in five years that will be doable. There is some considerably battery tech, and power unit ideas in development, and these will come good - its just waiting for the when. My mindset doesn't need changing, I am waiting for the tech to develop further to be closer to my needs - currently 85 or even 120 miles is not of use to me, as my average journey in my camper can be 300 plus miles per day.

[@dp8685]

Needs to have 300 mile range and same price as regular diesel before anyone buys.

[@davidhayes4814]

Yep... this needs twice the range and 50% more power

[@billpalmer2381]

and cheaper

[@dalyo96]

This van feels like it was made 4 or 5 year ago. I don’t see this being competitive at all

[@afcgeo882]

You mean like the eGolf?

[@curranhouse]

It's a stop gap until the id.cargo :)

[@mdbx3887]

its same perf that a renault electric fourgon from 90's years with plumb battery lol , but not at 12000e here it s 55000e lol volkswagen is finish

[@garytickner39]

Just signed a two year lease deal on this van. The weekly payment for the top of the range model is only £57.82 + VAT (that includes the 9 months upfront payment and working it into the weekly rate) After two years we just hand it back and by then a longer range version should be available. For small local jobs its ideal, and won't wake up the neighbours when I leave home at 6am. No one in their right mind is going to pay £50K for this vehicle, but leasing is ideal. The saving on RFL and fuel almost pays the lease fee. If you can tolerate the small range then its perfect for local work. I also have the long range Tesla model 3 and a Nissan Leaf so I am well aware of the transporter's shortcomings as far as tech is concerned. I am however puzzled at what exactly the leasing companies are going to do in 2 years time when they will be awash with all the returned vans?

[@G4RY1159]

Good luck with it

[@marwenfarhat]

2:10 how can it do 17.4 sec from 0 to 62 mph when it's top speed is only 54 mph 🤔 explain

[@jamiecampbell5905]

Probably meant 0-54 sec

[@afcgeo882]

The higher max speed trim was tested at 0-100km/h.

[@notmenotme614]

Maybe it’s theoretical based on how it accelerates upto 54 mph (basically they’ve just added a few seconds on) Still very slow though

[@jimblack8104]

😂

[@Hoppy100]

Really struggling to see the point of this. Would struggle to do a days Deliverys around London & pay over £50k for the privilege

[@Xpp.]

Having the 7 speed DSG but only using 4 of the gears ? They needed to open up another gear at least ? And a lot more batteries.

[@steves5382]

Anyone know if you can put bigger batteries in?

[@Fortzon]

53 mph top speed is abysmal. No wonder VW collaborated with a tuning company, they probably didn't have enough time to develop a proper electric Transporter to compete against other electric vans. Hopefully Transporter T7 is a proper electric van that they'll release in the near future.

[@DS-cf1zc]

I thought they must have collaborated with a detuning company.

[@davidsmisc1351]

There’s a big problem with electric vans (and pickups). The range drops far faster than MPG drops on a conventional vehicle when carrying a load. Short trip urban work (usually a green gimmick for DPD and the like) seems all they’re useful for just now.

[@hazzerhazzer2741]

Vauxhall van is cheaper and longer range. Great review edd but this van will not cut it.

[@bigargy12]

Being a tall van driver myself. I find most vans with bulkheads a bit tight on space for driving and being a passenge, Edd looked quite squeezed in to the drivers seat. It would have been nice if Edd could of given a bit more of an opinion/review on the driving position and knee room. But great review.

[@rogerwanhainen851]

I could not care less about vans. I hit the subscribe button to see more of Edd.

[@ofirs5830]

Only 200Nm? Would need more for hauling capabilities

[@Richie-vu4we]

The only thing going for this van is it looks nice and it has good head lights and hopefully to bright reverse that light up the area when reversing at night when you only have your wing mirrors. Poor Reverse lights On my 19 plate Transporter I bought 14 plate Rear lights clusters which have brighter reverse lights that send light to the sides as well backwards. So much better 😁

[@shelekhov]

USB-C charger in an electric van? Noooo way? and even nifty rims! I am sold....

[@paulwilson7215]

No mention of the jerky transmission I experience in stop start traffic, or is it a fault on the van I drive?

[@100tinsoldiers]

Great review thank you, lovely looking van and nice drive. You mention the transit custom PHEV, I would definitely avoid those, I’ve got one and hate it.

[@andreipop1]

37kw battery? What? Ok.... No.

[@karoln7078]

This van does not do 80 miles, there is an electrican that owns that van and he's only getting 50 miles on full charge

[@Ogunade1]

I am so happy that you have interest in electric cars . I love electric cars but it unfortunate we do not have it here in sierra leone West Africa

[@masport63]

Have test driven today the foot throttle is very heavy and has a clunky operation you can tell it is a electric conversion, managed to get 2.6 miles per KW empty van 11 degrees no heating or air con I don't think this is going to be a big seller needs more control refinement bigger battery and top speed .Nice review format Edd

[@denty32]

50 large for a van that does around 50/60 mile range if driven normally, sorry we ain’t at no where near changing from diesel or Petrol yet

[@Richie-vu4we]

I rather have LED Head lights, tear camera and good reverse lights and radio system as standard then. Adaptive Curse Control, Auto Braking, Wind Control, Lane Control systems. Van Wi-Fi These should be options you add if wanted.

[@afcgeo882]

With a load, in winter or summer (heat or air con) and a normal driver, that van will top out at 35 miles on a charge.

[@tombrehony6277]

If your lucky...

[@DS-cf1zc]

May as well drive with it connected to the mains, you will go further.

[@afcgeo882]

@@DS-cf1zc That made zero sense.

[@DS-cf1zc]

@@afcgeo882 At 35 miles, you may as well buy a long lead and keep it plugged in - I was being a shade sarcastic. This vehicle does not fit the vans traditional ethos of being a decent well built work donkey.

[@afcgeo882]

@@DS-cf1zc It doesn’t. Perhaps its only upside is that EVs are extremely low on maintenance. Otherwise it’s pure rubbish.

[@rrocktoo]

Soon to be seen with Amazon/DPD/Hermes/UPS etc logos plastered on it. I’m more happy to see Ed than a van that will be obsolete quicker than my smartphone.

[@OscarLeeMX]

The video title says AMT instead of ABT.

[@freeganjustin6699]

Just the right size and shape, but high price and the fact it's a conversion rather than factory made will push up insurance premiums. As happened with the Smith Electric Vehicles conversions of the Transit and Transit Connect 10 years or so ago.

[@markjarvis7087]

54mph and only 80 mile range in summer when it’s unladen! 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️ Great review though. 👍

[@christineandtonyhowland3476]

Clear the M25 at 0700hrs in a weekday morning has never been seen, when you say vans only do short journeys and not on motorways. The place is packed with tradesman travelling some good distances to get to a job, maybe good for the post office but not for many tradesman. Shame

[@simonhaywood7219]

80 miles.......and this is the future!!!!!!

[@KINIKs]

Wow ed china we missed you man

[@andrewpease3688]

37 kwh, so enough to power a 2kwh fan heater for 18.5 hours? Doesn't seem very much.

[@effervescence5664]

Sadly I do almost the max range on this van daily. Also I'm in trades not delivery so the weight to range penalty + off road tyres during winter and we use our engines to charge our battery tools while driving around. All in all many of the new e-vans are not suitable for trades and only viable for delivery services. Also the limited top speed is bloody lethal if you find yourself needing to over take.

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Got a great idea - BMW 330e touring instead! And no, I refuse to see any compromise there at all😂 especially if I get a Thule roof box.

[@daviddutchman2739]

Ed. Are you getting that 5.5hrs charge on a standard single phase charger?

[@paddymuppy]

Pointless range. Will wait for the Electric T7

[@dzmalekvali1110]

83 miles range.... does it have a Makita battery 4.3 ah?

[@SquareoftheyearFM]

So they’ve shoved a battery in from an eGolf. Could do with double that really.

[@karsnoordhuis4351]

Yea but that would eat into the load capacity.

[@marks-0-0]

VW must have vans in the pipeline considering the ID 3 and 4 are out now proving the technology. With the ID Buzz out in 2022 i think an e-T7 will be released soon afterwards and thats the one that will be designed to actually compete with the current vans.

[@3xperiences]

2:12 I’m curious how it does 0-62 mph in 17.4 s but top speed is 54mph.

[@greyangelpilot]

It's essentially a "Last Mile" Delivery/Pick-up Van.

[@jonnywayner]

Anyone get past 4 minutes

[@withpikachu2402]

Hard to find what it's full weight. It seems 4.1 or 4.3 tones. So it is above 3.5t and will face some driving restrictions like driving with B type drivers license. The van is too heavy. That is why they don't add more batteries because it will weight as heavy as tank.

[@christopherc9401]

Is the range and speed really an issue for its intended market though? I initially thought it was a bit naff but then I thought surely its aimed at delivery drivers in cities who spend most of their time in low speed, stop start traffic. If they are stopped they won't be burning diesel and towns and cities are only going to keep heaping charges on combustion engined vehicles. This is where EVs seem to excell in general, in rural areas don't really think any EV justifies it's initial cost over a combustion equivalent yet

[@tombrehony6277]

With all modern vehicles they have stop/ start technology, so should not be using fuel while stationary...

[@DS-cf1zc]

Yes it is, most people I know with vans that are not converted campervans, can do 300 miles a day for business. With this thing you will spend at least four to five hours recharging - so it is pointless.

[@christopherc9401]

@@DS-cf1zc like I said, drivers in towns and cities won't cover those sort of miles in a day though.

[@christopherc9401]

@@tombrehony6277 Very true but it uses fuel restarting the engine still even with Stop/Start

[@DS-cf1zc]

@@christopherc9401 I accept the point, but I know many van drivers and they do three times the mileage of this van's range. My son-in-law routinely goes from Kent to Bradford and back again as an extreme day. This van just wouldn't cut that, and no electric van will yet. I hold the view that it will be about five years before we start hitting a decent technological nirvana and get huge advances on battery technology that will make the T6.2 400 mile single charge van a doable feast.

[@daves4026]

It’s just not up to it both in range and speed. Thanks for the video Edd hope your back on our screens soon

[@BoskiM]

If you work for Amazon you could easily do 80 miles a day running along cities, towns, countryside, farms in one day. Not ideal for self employed couriers

[@metube9541]

I suppose you could strap a petrol generator in the back to get some charge in it if it ran out.

[@englishmaninengland4591]

I love my 2016 VW Transporter Highline. Yet, what have VW done with the front styling of the 6.1? The lower front grill is hideous.

[@kristians2704]

Why would anyone get this over the diesel model?

[@ATH_Berkshire]

Because if you take a diesel van into say London you pay a big daily fee. You don’t with an e-van, so if the range works for your business it will work out much cheaper than the diesel T6.

[@absrecovery]

Even paying congestion charge every day with a diesel you'd still be better of than paying 40 plus grand

[@LurgsHowToGuides]

Was really interested until it said 54mph then as they say on Dragons Den....'I'm out'. Shame. Needs way more range and needs to be faster. No Van driver on earth is gonna wanna be doing 54mph on a dual carriageway.

[@bidders77]

50k???

[@markjarvis7637]

The van is brilliant, power and range, pathetic, half hearted, attempt, design by committee, VW, have lost the chance to shine

[@mickramo498]

what if its dark lights on your cold heater on plus a full load

[@stuartcareless9550]

This would be interesting to see this do a run with 3 euro pallets on the back. Car companies are renowned for not being truthful with the MPG.

[@huss1205]

83 miles range, you got to be very stupid to pay big for this EV...

[@stevenprestwich521]

Looks nice, But it would keep you fit with all walking you'd have to do

[@bsn2ndsflatdavis378]

The VW electric ID Buzz van being introduced in the U.S in a couple years is supposed to have more power, up to 300 mile range and retro style.

[@mdbx3887]

lol dont believe wolksagen diesel gaters, they are liars, believe in TESLA 5x better for 1/2 of the price here

[@Soulboy63]

You seen the price !!

[@fredbettesworth5397]

How is 54mph safe on a motorway I would feel very vulnerable

[@Durgemonger]

Would’ve been better if they incorporate regenerative braking to get the mileage up.

[@panathaninf]

How can it have so short range ?? :(

[@apl175]

This is only the beginning.

[@antoniopalmero4063]

These are available used for ~ £12k in may 2024 . Bit of a bargain, you will probably be able to upgrade battery pack in the near future .

[@olivergunn2796]

If they couldn't be arsed to do any more than transplant the drive train from an e-golf then they should of just used a GTE, would be a far better half way measure until they start using an id3 drivetrain

[@ducktack1]

50 bloody grand!!!! I'd want to never have to pay for electricity, road tax or MOT's forever for that money. It's certainly not going to entice the normal tradesman at anywhere near that price. With the maximum distance and charging times it would take me nearly 3 days to get to Cornwall and I'd be about 20 stone whilst eating Burger King's whilst waiting at the charging stations.

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review 😊

[@troymcmahon488]

80 miles between charges and 45 min charge time is just bad. If you wanted to drive across the US in it you would need to stop a total of 34 times and you would need to spend 25.5 hours(!) charging. For comparison the driving time for such a trip without stops is 43 hours.

[@seanmcneill8899]

I work as an electrician, 3 call outs in one day I can rack up 150 miles. So vw ev not going to work for me. NEED MORE RANGE.!

[@markc1844]

I actually know someone who has got one of these, and it was the first brand new vehicle they had ever purchased - it was also their biggest mistake! 10 months in the truth is as a useable van to the working man, its no good. The Winter caused him the biggest nightmares, lights, heating, all drain the pathetic range down even further from what you see here.

[@intertr0ns]

Cheers Ed. Disappointing range. I suppose there will be a niche for it.

[@mdbx3887]

in 1898 yes 1898 the first electric car by a amator construiction will up to 100km/h and more than 80milmes of autonomy.. 123 years later volkswagen do the same thing for 60000$ IMAO

[@kamaangirthearcher]

I was so looking forward to the release of this van but unfortunately its a token gesture. The Renault kangoo ZE I drive has better range and does 70 miles per hour (and more if you push it) and is a fraction of the price. Needed double the battery pack size it has. Other issues, get rid of the centre trasmition console and just put some buttons on the dash to save space. Its not needed.

[@Olliebobalong]

this really is a stop gap until the ID Cargo or T7 electric. VW are hinting at 300 mile range and 190BHP. This is a half baked attempt, but other electric vans don't fare that much better. Another example fo electrification not ready yet. Give it 5 more years at least.

[@krumy21]

Hi Edd, nice review, I'm looking for a medium van similar to vivaro or traffic but couldn't find one with 4x4, awd or 4wd as I would like going on remote places, and although I like transporter it's just too expensive, what do you recommend?

[@haroldsteptoe4456]

Stealing one

[@afcgeo882]

Vito might be your only choice.

[@karsnoordhuis4351]

Iveco do a 4x4 daily and i believe peugeot work with a company for 4x4.

[@afcgeo882]

@@karsnoordhuis4351 The Daily is a very large van. Even a Sprinter or Transit would be smaller. Anton asked for a medium sized van recommendation. Something like a Transit Custom or a Transporter.

[@karsnoordhuis4351]

@@afcgeo882 you are right, this was the first thing that popped into my head. Anyway depending on what he needs to carry a landrover defender would be an option

[@stevenbarrett7648]

Local,deliveries, 50 mile round trip then yes I guess so heading into cities that have banned ICE vehicles

[@richardwalton2685]

Just really can't see the point. My washing machine went further when it rattled itself out of the utility

[@bryanbuckley9653]

Love my T6 and eager for elecy version but this range and speed are pointless. Then the price point, sorry VW, not paying attention in class and must do better in next exam:(

[@jonholmes3756]

Well this hasn’t aged well. It seems 60 miles is the most anyone has got out of it. And the depreciation is eye watering 30k in 2 years!! Unreal!!

[@megane230f1]

You can pick these vans up 2 year old for 20 grand with hardly any miles on, fully specced up with alloys bodykits on

[@KBeadle]

come on VW you've got to do better than this. Theres not going to be many companies that will be able to work with an 80 mile range and lets be honest that will be more like 50 in the winter. Even back in the day as a kitchen and bathroom fitter I would often do more than that in a day

[@SuperNictastic]

The new Ford etransit out next year will have a 217 mile range. I'd just hang on for that. It's also nearly half the price.

[@mdbx3887]

wait a TESLA van.. a model 3 with a better motor and better batyerry x 2.5 that this one volkswagen and the TESLA is 30000$ less than this thing !!!

[@artonkanava]

Low speed tells quality of that battery, if you would drive like 100kmh it would drain that battery so fast.

[@christineandtonyhowland3476]

I don't know where your 50 miles a day for vans driver, just try being on the M25 between 0600hrs and 0900hrs wall to wall vans travel a lot further than 50 miles.

[@billpalmer2381]

very safe cant go fast enough or for long enough

[@youfight1975]

Nice review . But the vw van is a joke 80 miles range so in winter with heating will be under 60miles .Who will buy this van? and for what ? and the range of max 80 mil is when the battery is full. But battery must be use between 10 to 90 procent to keep the battery healthy so the range is even lower . Good one vw and good luck. From £50000 range 60 miles in real range this is nice pice of rubbish.

[@adamthompson3762]

You obviously have to buy the 74 mph version

[@bentullett6068]

50k for a van its more expensive than the larger Crafter panel van

[@mdbx3887]

contre TESLA model3 standart range to 35000$ for a 80kwh battery 500miles , a better motor, better recharge etc better in all , volkswagen is out, finsh, end of game

[@karoln7078]

Barley cover 80 miles each day, dude I'm a IT engineer driving a van and my daily milage is around 250 miles driving from site to site and home

[@shoestringsev4529]

When you have to work so hard to convince people that 80 mile range is OK. Then you already know its not. Also the real world rang will be closer to 60 miles. This is not 2010 when the only electric van available was the Nissan EVN200 24kw! This would only be OK if the price was closer to 10k rather than over 20k.

[@jmills1549]

Looks good but £££££ is all important., where will we get the cash for the new look.?

[@beachboy0505]

Nice video

[@RATTLER238]

My 1.5 TD Renault Trafic is limited to 68mph and that is brutal esp on the motorways... this thing would be horrendous and stress-filled every trip!! 🙈

[@trousersnake1980]

Absolutely pathetic vehicle with a ridiculous asking price.

[@SanneBerkhuizen]

I'm going to be as nice as possible... I'm very disappointed... They had all the possibilities to create a 250bhp 600mile range. Maybe with slightly smaller trunk space. Personally I think the transporter is one of the most beautiful cars in the world. And if you have the multi van it's the perfect family car.

[@billsmith810]

Too bad they couldn't incorporate the motor(s), range and batteries from an id4 and offer it as a widow van SUV alternative for families like the old Vanagon/Eurovan. I know there's no real demand for family vans much anymore at least here in the states.

[@notmenotme614]

0 to 60 in 17.4 seconds That’s so slow that has to be a typo. Wasn’t electric vehicles rumoured to have quicker acceleration by producing 100% torque straight away (look at the 0-60 time for Tesla cars)

[@Paul_C]

But, but what about the ID Buzz?

[@sichere]

Only 43 times round the Longcross Test track

[@coniow]

Not having ReGen braking on a vehicle with A/ such a small battery, and B/one that is destined to do lots of short (so probably stop-start), driving, where ReGen is most needed to save on brake wear and extend what little battery there is, is daft.

[@kyfisher3662]

I can dream

[@owenjmolloy]

80 miles nonsense. Ridicules.