Europcar is offering infrastructure and construction companies a free three-week trial of the all-electric Volkswagen e-Transporter. The program lets businesses test how electric vans work in their daily operations.
The e-Transporter delivers between 192 and 201 miles of range and starts at £47,855. Europcar’s version meets Chapter 8 van regulations – it’s equipped with hi-vis livery and red-yellow chevron markings that warn drivers and pedestrians.
Extended Trial Period
The van includes recycled ply lining and flooring, plus a removable Chapter 8 compliant light bar that doesn’t require drilling. A 50kW solar panel on the roof powers the fan, lights, and electrical equipment while adding up to 6% range to the 64kWh battery.
Europcar launched this program because standard three-day test periods aren’t long enough for potential electric van users.
“Manufacturer test drives of similar vehicles are usually a maximum of 72 hours, which doesn’t provide drivers and their employers with a full picture of e-van life in all weathers, road conditions and job types,” said Tom Middleditch, Europcar’s lead B2B marketing and sustainability spokesperson.
He believes longer trials help reluctant drivers feel more positive about switching to electric.
“We believe that offering the VW e-Transporter for a significant three-week length free trial will help reduce fleet emissions in the longer term.”
Specifications and Features
The e-Transporter offers 5.8m3 of load space in short wheelbase form or 6.8m3 for the long wheelbase version. Payload ranges from 1,013kg to 1,088kg.
Towing capacity hits a class-leading 2,300kg.
The entry-level Commerce Plus includes heated seats, LED headlights, body-colored exterior trim, cruise control, parking sensors, and a reversing camera. Commerce Pro adds 16-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, a heated windscreen, and wireless phone charging.
Both trim levels feature a 12-inch digital driver display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The electric motor produces 215bhp and 317 lb ft of torque, with a top speed of 93mph.
