Volkswagen has revealed its all-electric e-Co-Motion at the Geneva Motor Show - a van that is designed to showcase the future of citywide deliveries.
Exterior
The style of the e-Co-Motion is based on Volkswagen's current design language. The traditional front grille has been replaced by something a lot smaller and the presence of side windows on the van's sliding doors means that we could be looking at a potential smaller sibling for the Transporter and Caravelle. Volkswagen says that many different body styles will be available, allowing businesses to tailor-make their e-Co-Motion to specific needs.
Interior
Up front, Volkswagen has tried to create as much space as possible. The gear lever has been replaced by a rotary switch and the traditional handbrake has gone. The dashboard features climate control and an eight-inch infotainment system through which most of the van's controls can be accessed. The passenger seat also folds down flat.
In the cargo bay, Volkswagen has given the e-Co-Motion a low floor for easy loading; and the batteries powering the van have been designed to be as small as possible. There are also specific storage compartments for things such as tools, documents and freight items.
Mechanicals
As the e-Co-Motion has no combustion engine, all of its power comes from the 50kW electric motor that can provide up to 113hp and 270Nm of torque. This motor is connected to the rear wheels via a single-speed gearbox, giving the e-Co-Motion a turning circle of 8.95 metres. As range is usually the biggest issue with electric vehicles, Volkswagen will offer its e-Co-Motion with batteries ranging from 20-40kWh in energy capacity, giving potential driving ranges of between 100- and 200km. We would also expect that the larger the battery, the bigger the cost.
Anything else?
Before you start readying the cheque book, Volkswagen has insisted that the e-Co-Motion is strictly a concept vehicle. It looks like we'll have to wait a little bit longer before the company produces something we can actually buy.