Abt e-Transporter 6.1
The converted Bulli is particularly sustainable on short journeys.
Sit down, feel at home, drive off: this familiarity is already there VW Golf is the real secret of success for millions of normal drivers. The same applies to the Golf among the vans, the Volkswagen Bulli. Millions of couriers, craftsmen and employees at public utilities know their T6 inside out. The car dealer doesn’t have to do much persuasion.
They can take advantage VW-Sellers now play better when it comes to bringing the latest variant of the Bulli to commercial customers: the electric T6. It is available with well-known logical and simple operation, decent seating comfort – but above all as a panel van, up to nine-seat station wagon or “Caravelle” car. Always with a large wheelbase, a total length of 5.30 meters, a maximum load of one ton and 1.5 tons Trailer load.
In addition to these well-known advantages, the Stromer variant also offers three electro-exclusive ones: firstly, the Bulli, which the company Abt, known as the tuner, is converting, is quiet; except for a beep. Very socially acceptable, especially for morning city traffic. Since the car with its 83 kW / 113 hp electric motor drives like a cozy diesel, just without the notorious nailing.
Secondly, the e-Bulli is emission-free – in some European city areas the driver hardly comes any other way. And “these restrictions will increase,” says Product Manager Jens Häberle. Thirdly, he drives even better than the combustion brothers. This is mainly due to the optimal weight distribution. Because of the 333 kg battery pack under the floor and the missing internal combustion engine at the front, it is almost 50:50. The focus is also lower.
On the test tracks in the winding Allgäu region, the e-transporter rolls around the streets safely and well thanks to the very precise steering – even when driving faster. There is no more than 120 kilometers an hour anyway. Then the technology limits the e-transporter. In the base it is even curtailed at 90.
Balanced performance
The electric motor has an output of 83 kW / 113 hp.
A familiar look
Almost everything is familiar inside.
The messenger raging in the autumn storm in the lurching van with little load on the rear axle, the e-transporter prevents this nightmare of the traffic cops even in a constructive approach. And since the VW is now based on the MQB car kit, “safety features such as the emergency brake assistant are also on board,” says Häberle.
Unlike the Mercedes e-Vito, the Allgäu rebuilders have to do without the cruise control. Because that would have made the Stromer significantly more expensive due to product liability reasons. And especially in commercial use, it’s all about euros and cents.
That’s the Achilles’ heel of the e-Transporter. As with all competitors, the electricity surcharge is substantial. The e-transporter including VAT (45,000 net) costs at least 52,200 euros. Of this, there is another 7,500 euros environmental bonus – but a combustion engine is still more than 10,000 euros cheaper.
In the total cost mix, however, the bill looks better again – not only because the Stromer remains tax-free for years. If you recharge your van at night with cheap electricity in the workshop, you will also make up considerable operating costs over the course of the term.
Clean but expensive
The e-transporter including VAT (45,000 net) costs at least 52,200 euros.
Doesn’t get far
The range is up to 138 kilometers.
And Abt can even retrofit the e-transporter with individual cell packs if the storage technology improves. Because unlike car power supplies, the battery for such interventions has a more modular structure. Perhaps even some private Bulli trailers could become weak.
But outside of the commercial world, this e-transporter will also rarely be seen. On the one hand, the range from the net 32.5 kWh battery is too poor, even for weekend excursionists, with a maximum of 138 kilometers. On the other hand, Abt does not offer the two popular California and Multivan Bulli models, which are popular with private customers. Only in 2022 will the Bulli holiday traveler be electrified with the T7 and ID-Buzz.
Technical specifications
Up to five-door, nine-seat vans, length: 5.30 meters, width: 1.90 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 2.30 meters), height: 1.99 meters, wheelbase: 3.40 meters, largest luggage compartment volume 6,700 liters
Abt e-Transporter: electric motor; 83 kW / 113 PS, maximum torque: 200 Nm, battery: 32 kWh net, charging power: max. 50 kW DC, charging time: min. 45 min (10–80%), front-wheel drive, three-speed DSG, 0-100 km / h: 17.4 s., Vmax: 90 or 120 km / h, consumption: 27.0 (35.8) kWh / 100 km., CO2 emissions: 0 g / km, emission standard: k. A., efficiency class: A +, price: from 44,900 net (less 7,500 euros environmental bonus).