Introduction to the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
Vans are not soon as desirable as SUVs to private buyers and subjectively aren’t as visually appealing. However, vehicles such as the new Volkswagen Caravelle excel at transporting people and all their associated accoutrements. Now available with a fully electric powertrain (in addition to a diesel one), it is a highly versatile alternative to the often-compromised seven-seat SUVs currently available.
With seating for up to eight people, the Volkswagen e-Caravelle could be the ideal solution for those with larger families or for businesses that require moving people. We got behind the wheel at the international media launch on the outskirts of Athens in Greece.
Pros & Cons of the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
Pros: Seating for eight, versatile interior, electric or diesel options
Cons: Van shape doesn’t appeal to many buyers
Exterior & Design of the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
• Dual sliding rear doors available
• Two body lengths offered
• Rugged PanAmericana version
Having the choice of two lengths for the Volkswagen e-Caravelle is good for buyers, as the longer model provides additional space inside for either passengers or cargo. Just as importantly, the e-Caravelle comes in at under two metres in height, meaning it can drive into most multi-storey car parks. To put the vehicle size into context, however, the short-wheelbase e-Caravelle is longer than the extended version of the other people mover in the Volkswagen range, the Multivan.
There are numerous other people movers available on the market, including the Ford Transit Custom Kombi which was jointly developed with the Volkswagen and has almost identical dimensions. For reference, the key dimensions of the e-Caravelle are:
Short wheelbase
Length: 5,050mm
Width: 2,275mm
Height: 1,961mm
Wheelbase: 3,100mm
Long wheelbase
Length: 5,450mm
Width: 2,275mm
Height: 1,967mm
Wheelbase: 3,500mm
While the e-Caravelle has been jointly developed by Ford alongside the Transit Custom Kombi, Volkswagen has grafted on a distinctive look to the front that’s more in line with the rest of its model range. The sharper lines give it a technical appearance, and this is supported by the decision to fit LED headlights and taillights as standard across all versions.
Entry-grade models stick with functional unpainted black plastic bumpers. One step up gains painted bumpers, while moving up another tier to the e-Caravelle Edition and Style models sees the front gain a black detail linking the front lights. The PanAmericana is a more rugged looking variant and gets black plastic bumpers, wheel arch covers and trims along the bases of the doors.
We can’t overstate how useful the sliding rear doors are. They make it so much easier to get passengers in and out, especially if parked in a tight space. These doors can be electrically operated and include a soft-close function. Both rear passengers and the driver can operate these for maximum convenience.
One thing that can be less convenient at times is the large tailgate. If you’re reversing into a parking space you may need to leave a lot of additional room if you need to access the rear, as, due to the Caravelle’s overall height of just less than two metres, it does require a large area to fully open.
Interior, Practicality, Tech & Comfort of the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
• Versatile interior layout
• Above-average boot volume
• Lots of in-cabin charging options
Irrespective of whether you choose the short or long wheelbase versions, the Volkswagen e-Caravelle is a very practical vehicle inside. All feature at least one sliding door on the passenger side, while the Style model gets a sliding door on both sides. There is seating for two in the front, and two rows of three in the rear.
The rearmost row of three seats is a bench-style arrangement and this can be removed if required. The two outer seats are equipped with ISOFIX mounting points for child seats. The second (middle) row comprises three individual seats, which can also be adjusted or removed as required. The outer two seats also have ISOFIX mounting points for child seats.
As standard the driver's seat is six-way adjustable, and the front passenger seat is four-way adjustable. The Edition and Style versions are equipped with an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and six-way passenger seat. If you want heated seats as standard, you’ll need to choose the Style specification, which also includes a side airbag in the front.
There is lots of space between the two seat rows in the rear and there is ample headroom for adults. Another plus is that there are numerous USB charging ports in the rear depending on specification, such as on the B-pillar and even on the backs of the front seat bases, so those in the rear should always have enough opportunity to charge their devices.
In the e-Caravelle Style there are seven USB ports in the driver's cab and six in the passenger compartment. A 12V socket in the front centre console is accompanied by a 12V socket on the D-pillar at floor level at the rear right.
Our e-Caravelle Style model has the nicest upholstery which is a leatherette in Palladium Grey and Black Onyx. The standard upholstery is the ‘Striped’ fabric.
All versions come with a 12-inch digital instrument display and a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. A wireless phone charging pad is available, as is keyless entry and start.
Performance of the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
• Choice of three outputs from 136hp to 286hp
• Rear-wheel drive only
• Quiet and smooth to drive
Volkswagen offers three different electric motor options for the e-Caravelle, though all use the same 68.3kWh battery and all have the same 415Nm peak torque output, which is arguably the more relevant figure than outright power in such a vehicle. Whichever version you choose the power is sent to the rear wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission.
Expectedly, the driving experience is a smooth one, though it isn’t an especially brisk vehicle. Even with no passengers, the 286hp version accelerates well up to 60km/h but struggles to increase speed quickly beyond that point. Nonetheless, for the most part the e-Caravelle offers a very quiet and smooth driving experience and the lack of any mechanical noise or vibration from the powertrain is a bonus that is often overlooked, - it’ll be especially noticeable if you’re coming from a manual diesel vehicle.
There are several drive modes that can be selected, including Eco and Sport, though these do little to alter the overall driving experience. More relevant is the B mode that can be activated via a button on the face of the drive selector column stalk. This amps up the rate of energy recuperation done by the electric motor and diverts otherwise wasted energy back into the battery, though it isn’t as strong as one-pedal driving modes that some EVs have.
Vans rarely come with lofty expectations for driving dynamics, and while the e-Caravelle’s suspension can be busy at times with its vertical movements, it does fell relatively well damped, absorbing harsher bumps as it goes. This is likely to improve with more people onboard.
Range, Battery & Charging of the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
• 64kWh lithium-ion battery, up to 347km range
• Fast DC charging of up to 125kW
• 10-80 per cent charge in 39 minutes
From launch there is a 64kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery and an official WLTP range of 286 to 319 kilometres for the short wheelbase model - or 283 to 347 kilometres for the long wheelbase version. That’s a good range given the battery’s usable capacity, though do expect that figure to reduce if you’re transporting a full accompaniment of passengers. Nevertheless, given the typical duty cycle of such a vehicle, that range should be plenty for almost all use cases.
We didn’t get the opportunity to fully test the entire real-world range but based on the energy consumption display in the onboard computer we estimate it to be just over 300 kilometres.
The charge port for the e-Caravelle is located on the driver’s side corner of the front bumper (when the driver is sitting on the right, as in Ireland). There is an 11kW AC charging rate possible as standard, and a peak DC charge rate of 125kW. The latter results in a 10 to 80 per cent charge taking around 39 minutes.
A heat pump is fitted as standard for range optimisation during colder months.
Running Costs of the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
• Home recharging reduces running costs
• Expect lower maintenance costs
• Versatile enough to replace two cars
If you’re lucky enough to have a home energy provider with a low off-peak rate you stand to save even more money when it comes to running a Volkswagen e-Caravelle instead of a diesel alternative. It can be setup with scheduled timing to only draw down energy for its battery at optimum times. Furthermore, all electric cars fall into the lowest banding of motor tax in Ireland, which is currently €120 per year.
Another upside to the e-Caravelle (or almost any other electric vehicle) is that it has reduced servicing and maintenance costs in comparison to a car with an engine, as there are fewer moving parts and consumables such as engine oil, and fuel and exhaust filters. No more worrying about blocked DPFs in a vehicle likely to be predominantly used in an urban environment for short hops.
Volkswagen quotes energy consumption of 20.5-26.2kWh/100km for the short wheelbase versions depending on the power output. The long-wheelbase e-Caravelle has combined energy consumption of 20.7-26.4kWh/100km, again depending on the electric motor fitted.
Irish Pricing & Rivals of the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
• Pricing still to be finalised for Ireland
• Two wheelbase lengths to choose from
• A smaller battery version is in the works
Irish pricing for the Volkswagen e-Caravelle is still in the process of being finalised, so we can’t definitively say whether it will represent good value or not. Thus far only a starting price for the Volkswagen Transporter van - which the e-Caravelle is based upon - is available. Obviously, we expect the e-Caravelle to cost more than the Transporter’s €39,265 starting price.
One thing already confirmed is that Volkswagen will be offering a ‘5+ Promise’ with the Transporter and its derivatives. This offer includes a five-year warranty, a five-year servicing package and five years of roadside assistance.
The Volkswagen e-Caravelle isn’t without competitors in what is now a growing segment of the market. The most direct rival - ostensibly the same vehicle underneath - is the Ford Transit Custom Kombi. The Opel Vivaro Combi Electric is a nine-seater that is a bit basic inside. However, the Opel Zafira Life Electric is essentially a more luxurious version of the same vehicle with up to eight seats.
Citroen’s alternative is the e-Spacetourer, which comes only in one specification. Mercedes-Benz also offers an electric MPV, called the EQV, kitted out with premium materials. A more basic version of this with the option of more seats is the Mercedes e-Vito Tourer.
Verdict - Should You Buy the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle?
There’s no shortage of electric MPVs now available on the market, though the Volkswagen e-Caravelle does benefit from being one of the very newest. That in turn means it has some superior tech and its battery is larger than some of its competitors’. A good price will be needed for it to succeed, nonetheless.
If you do go for the e-Caravelle, you’ll find this is a far superior vehicle than most seven-seat SUVs when it comes to transporting people and luggage. If you can look past the size and shape of the Volkswagen in comparison to said SUVs, and look at the practical side of things, then it makes for a more compelling proposition than you might have first thought.
FAQs About the 2025 Volkswagen e-Caravelle
How many child seats fit in the back of the Volkswagen e-Caravelle?
There are four ISOFIX points in total, two each in the two outer seats in both rear rows.
Does the Volkswagen e-Caravelle have a heat pump?
es, it does. Volkswagen fits a heat pump as standard across the lineup.
Does the Volkswagen e-Caravelle qualify for the SEAI grant?
At the time of writing Irish pricing is still being confirmed. Vehicles priced between €18,001 and €60,000 are eligible for the full €3,500 SEAI grant, and we expect Volkswagen to offer at least one version within this bracket. There’s also VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) relief, which will vary by the cost of the car you order. Your Volkswagen dealer should be able to talk you through all of that when prices are announced.
Has the Volkswagen e-Caravelle been assessed for safety by Euro NCAP?
The Volkswagen e-Caravelle has not yet been through the Euro NCAP crash test assessment. It does of course come with numerous safety system as standard.
Is the Volkswagen Caravelle only available as an electric car?
No, Volkswagen will also be offering the Caravelle with a diesel engine and possibly with a plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain in 2026.
Want to know more about the Volkswagen e-Caravelle?
If there’s anything about the Volkswagen e-Caravelle we’ve not covered, or you’d like advice in choosing between it and other cars, you can avail of our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.