May 19, 2020
VW’s ABT eTransporter 6.1 all-electric van on the way
Exclusive !
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland (VWCVI) will shortly launch its first fully electric van in the Ireland with prices for the zero-emission ABT eTransporter 6.1 starting from about £52,060 (after the SEAI grant). It should be available from all Volkswagen van dealerships.

The model offers a claimed all-electric range of up to circa 132 kilometres (or82 miles) with no compromise in the cargo space of 6.7m3. Flexible charging options allow for 80 per cent charge in just 45 minutes.
In Ireland, expect Volkswagen to offer three trimline’s on the ABT e–Transporter, the ‘First’, ‘Plus’, and ‘Max’. They are very close to the standard T6.1 specification levels.
The ‘First’ trimline includes a driver armrest, driver lumbar support, and 6.5” touch screen infotainment system. The latter should include the DAB+ radio system and four loudspeakers, SD card slot, Bluetooth handsfree as well as two USB interfaces (type-C) in the dashboard.
The ‘First’ trimline includes a driver armrest, driver lumbar support, and 6.5” touch screen infotainment system. The latter should include the DAB+ radio system and four loudspeakers, SD card slot, Bluetooth handsfree as well as two USB interfaces (type-C) in the dashboard.
The ‘Plus’ version additions include rear parking sensors, leather wrapped MF steering wheel, folding mirrors, and body colour bumpers/mirrors. The top level ‘Max’ additional offerings includes LED Headlamps, 16” Alloy, heated windshield, plus front & rear sensors.
The exact retail sale prices, specifications and the on-sale date for Ireland will be announced in the near future.
The ABT eTransporter 6.1 delivers a maximum power output of 110PS (83kW), with a 0-62mph time of just 17.4 seconds. The technically-advanced and lightweight electric motor provides smooth and quiet driving, low maintenance requirements and instant maximum torque. This is connected to the battery via the power electronics that supply energy to both the on-board electronics and the electric motor.
The compact battery is fitted underneath the load area to avoid compromising the cargo area of 6.7m3 and payload of up to 1,001kg. Total range is up to 82 miles**.
The ABT eTransporter 6.1 is also fitted with regenerative braking, switching the drive motor to generator operation to recover energy lost when braking. The resulting current is fed back into the battery and stored for later use.
The driver is able to see the battery status from the instrument cluster, where the usual rev counter dial has been replaced with a power meter. When the needle is in the green, the battery is being charged by recuperating energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. The blue area denotes the optimum speeds and acceleration for the most economical driving, while the charge level indicator states the current charge in the battery.
The ABT eTransporter 6.1 features a modified dual clutch transmission DSG, combining the conventional system with the requirements of an electric drive to develop sufficient power in any driving situation. When Drive (‘D’) is selected, the motor will deliver 75% power to maximise range, with the kickdown function on the gear shift providing 100% power and torque, maximising performance.
The Combined Charging System (CCS) socket on the new ABT eTransporter 6.1 provides a flexible charging solution, combining the ability to charge via both AC and DC. This means you can use any device that has either a CCS (DC charging) or Type 2 (AC charging) plug type. A Type 2 charging cable is included with the vehicle as standard.
Rapid charging using a DC charger is the fastest way to charge your electric van. The new ABT eTransporter 6.1 supports up to 50kW DC charging using a CCS connector, which means the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery can achieve a charging state of 80 per cent within approximately 45 minutes. This is ideal for vans working a busy shift pattern which need to be on the road and working.
The new ABT eTransporter 6.1 can support AC charging up to 7.2kW. This can be done by using a wallbox, which will charge the lithium-ion battery in approximately five and a half hours.
The compact battery is fitted underneath the load area to avoid compromising the cargo area of 6.7m3 and payload of up to 1,001kg. Total range is up to 82 miles**.
The ABT eTransporter 6.1 is also fitted with regenerative braking, switching the drive motor to generator operation to recover energy lost when braking. The resulting current is fed back into the battery and stored for later use.
The driver is able to see the battery status from the instrument cluster, where the usual rev counter dial has been replaced with a power meter. When the needle is in the green, the battery is being charged by recuperating energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. The blue area denotes the optimum speeds and acceleration for the most economical driving, while the charge level indicator states the current charge in the battery.
The ABT eTransporter 6.1 features a modified dual clutch transmission DSG, combining the conventional system with the requirements of an electric drive to develop sufficient power in any driving situation. When Drive (‘D’) is selected, the motor will deliver 75% power to maximise range, with the kickdown function on the gear shift providing 100% power and torque, maximising performance.
The Combined Charging System (CCS) socket on the new ABT eTransporter 6.1 provides a flexible charging solution, combining the ability to charge via both AC and DC. This means you can use any device that has either a CCS (DC charging) or Type 2 (AC charging) plug type. A Type 2 charging cable is included with the vehicle as standard.
Rapid charging using a DC charger is the fastest way to charge your electric van. The new ABT eTransporter 6.1 supports up to 50kW DC charging using a CCS connector, which means the vehicle’s lithium-ion battery can achieve a charging state of 80 per cent within approximately 45 minutes. This is ideal for vans working a busy shift pattern which need to be on the road and working.
The new ABT eTransporter 6.1 can support AC charging up to 7.2kW. This can be done by using a wallbox, which will charge the lithium-ion battery in approximately five and a half hours.