Volkswagen e-Transporter review

The Volkswagen Transporter has gone electric for its seventh generation. But is this platform-sharing e-Transporter good enough to compete with the best in class?

The seventh-generation Transporter marks a significant change at Volkswagen: it’s the first to share underpinnings with a rival, namely the Ford Transit Custom. It’s not the first time the duo have teamed up — the Volkswagen Amarok pickup is a Ford Ranger underneath, while the Transit Connect is little more than a rebadged Volkswagen Caddy. While some long-time Volkswagen loyalists may baulk at the idea, this collaboration arguably results in a better van, as the Transit Custom is generally considered the benchmark in the medium van sector.

Available as a short or long-wheelbase panel van for now, Kombi, Shuttle, and double-cab variants will follow later in the year. A plug-in hybrid version will join the line-up in 2026.

But, being EV Powered, I’m focusing on the all-electric e-Transporter. It’s the first time Volkswagen has offered a battery electric Transporter at this scale (the previous ABT-converted model probably doesn’t count), and it’s a critical part of the brand’s electrification push.

Design, interior and technology

From the outside, the e-Transporter wears Volkswagen’s corporate face, with a grille and lighting design inspired by earlier Transporters. The ‘Bulli line’ styling crease and short overhangs give it a familiar Volkswagen flavour, even if the bones are Ford’s.

Inside, things are more Ford than Volkswagen, but the Germans have added enough flair to keep the illusion alive. The cabin is smartly finished, with subtle material upgrades and practical design touches. Volkswagen’s own digital driver’s display and steering wheel are present, as is a reshaped 13-inch infotainment touchscreen running Volkswagen-styled Ford software. Physical buttons for key functions remain — a practical nod to glove-wearing tradespeople and a step up from many van rivals that bury basic controls in submenus.

Storage is generous. There’s a dash-top compartment, three-level door bins, and even a covered glovebox across all trim levels — something the Ford only gets on higher grades. Most models also come with three front seats, with a clear and flat floor allowing easy access.

Volkswagen e-Transporter battery, motor and performance

Every e-Transporter comes with a 64kWh lithium-ion battery, which is good for a WLTP range between 192 and 201 miles, depending on the spec. Real-world figures will likely settle closer to 150–170 miles depending on load, driving style, and climate. I managed around 2.8 miles per kWh in mixed conditions, suggesting I’d get 179 from a full charge, albeit with an empty van.

Performance is pleasing enough, regardless of whether you choose the 134bhp or 215bhp version. Each has 317lb ft of torque, and both complete the 0-62mph run in 8.6 seconds, which is far quicker than any diesel model. Why opt for the more powerful model? Er, it goes a little faster, reaching 93mph. Beyond that, there’s more than enough poke from the standard van for urban and motorway duties.

Ride comfort is impressive thanks to a low centre of gravity and solid suspension tuning, though road imperfections can still send shudders through an unladen van. Rear-wheel drive helps with traction when the van is lightly loaded, especially since Volkswagen fits all-season tyres as standard. Tail-out power slides aren’t a thing, though, thanks to strong support from the traction control systems.

Charging is competitive: 125kW DC rapid charging gets you from 10-80% in around 40 minutes, adding as much as 140 miles of range. AC charging maxes out at 11kW, which is fine for overnight depot or home charging, though companies with three-phase power might be hoping for faster top-ups.

Payload and practicality

Load space is identical to diesel models (and the E-Transit Custom), with 5.8m3 in SWB and 6.8m3 in LWB versions. Load lengths are 2,602mm and 3,002mm, respectively, plus an extra 448mm via the under-seat load-through hatch, and the gap between the wheel arches is large enough to slide a Euro pallet through. At 198cm high, it’s also car park-friendly.

Payload varies from 1,013kg to 1,088kg, slightly down on the diesel but still strong for an electric van. Towing capacity sits at 2,300kg, which is also down from the diesel models but class-leading among BEVs — a Vauxhall Vivaro Electric is limited to 1,000kg.

The cargo area is illuminated with super-bright LED lights, and optional 230V sockets in the load bay (up to 2,300W) allow on-site recharging of tools or powering equipment between jobs. Access is via a sliding side door on the nearside (an offside door can be added as an option) and the usual twin barn door-style rear openings.

Volkswagen e-Transporter price and specification

Official list prices start at £41,965 (ex. VAT), rising to £48,705 for higher-spec models, with the Plug-in Van Grant knocking £5,000 off those figures.

That includes Volkswagen’s 5+ Promise, which includes five services, two MOTs, five years of roadside assistance, and a five-year/124,000-mile warranty. Compared to Ford’s standard three-year coverage, it’s a significant incentive.

You’d expect that to make the e-Transporter look a little pricey, but the sticker price is lower than the one stuck on the front of the e-Transit Custom, which starts from £43,380.

No, I’ve no idea how Volkswagen has done that either, but it makes the e-Transporter look exceptional value.

Spec levels are strong, too. Two trim levels are on offer, with Commerce Plus bringing essential heated seats, LED headlights, body-coloured trim, cruise control, parking sensors, and a reversing camera. Commerce Pro adds 16-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, a heated windscreen, and wireless phone charging. All vans get the 12-inch driver display and standard-fit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Verdict

The e-Transporter might not be a purebred Volkswagen underneath, but it delivers where it counts. It’s pleasant to drive, impressively equipped, and competitively practical.

It might lack some of the charm and configurability of previous Transporters, but tangible improvements in driveability, safety, and running costs offset that.

The switch to Ford bones hasn’t dulled its appeal — in fact, it may have enhanced it. It’s one of the most complete electric vans you can buy today, and that 5+ Promise alone could be enough to swing it for many buyers. And rightly so.

Volkswagen e-Transporter Commerce Pro LWB

• Price: £47,855 plus VAT and OTR
• Powertrain: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive
• Battery: 64 kWh
• Power: 215bhp
• Torque: 317 lb ft
• Top speed: 93 mph
• 0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
• Range: 192 miles
• Consumption: N/A
• Charging: up to 125 kW