VW e-Transporter Van
Discussion
A totally non-petrolhead mate needs a new van, and a electric van would really suit his needs very well. He mostly does short, local trips, so has been having a lot of trouble with his diesel NV200 related to lack of long distance driving. He's a gardener/tree surgeon so has a decent amount of kit and machinery to carry with him.
Looking at what's available, I've come across the VW e-Transporters which look ideal for his case and within his budget (under £12k). Plenty of low mileage, under 4 year old examples around for that sort of cost on AutoTrader, several from main dealers. OK, the range isn't great and max speed is limited to 56, and it'll take 17 seconds to get there so he'll be overtaken by geriatric tortoises, but those are not issues for him. He needs something which will work and will have decent short- and long-term reliability, the size is much better than comparable options from Renault, Nissan, Peugeot etc., the cost isn't silly, and it also looks cool.
Here's an example:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202409103...
Any opinions on the e-Transporter? Any alternatives with similar carrying capacity and similar acquisition cost?
Looking at what's available, I've come across the VW e-Transporters which look ideal for his case and within his budget (under £12k). Plenty of low mileage, under 4 year old examples around for that sort of cost on AutoTrader, several from main dealers. OK, the range isn't great and max speed is limited to 56, and it'll take 17 seconds to get there so he'll be overtaken by geriatric tortoises, but those are not issues for him. He needs something which will work and will have decent short- and long-term reliability, the size is much better than comparable options from Renault, Nissan, Peugeot etc., the cost isn't silly, and it also looks cool.
Here's an example:https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202409103...
Any opinions on the e-Transporter? Any alternatives with similar carrying capacity and similar acquisition cost?
Assuming his journey profile is realistic then why not?
The caveat I have is that my friend bought 3 e-Trans and has replaced them with diesel Ducatos. The e-Trans were bought on an eco whim and failed to live up to expectations. On slightly longer journeys having the van and driver parked up recharging wasn't good, and the sheer number of times they needed a top-up got very boring. 56 miles is a realistic 20-25 miles as you have to consider the return journey or topping up.
The caveat I have is that my friend bought 3 e-Trans and has replaced them with diesel Ducatos. The e-Trans were bought on an eco whim and failed to live up to expectations. On slightly longer journeys having the van and driver parked up recharging wasn't good, and the sheer number of times they needed a top-up got very boring. 56 miles is a realistic 20-25 miles as you have to consider the return journey or topping up.
They really don't have a good reputation, and VW dealers won't have much knowledge in repairing them. Despite using a lot of eGolf parts, they're effectively an aftermarket conversion by ABT.
On the plus side, they don't feel slow at all for a van from my memory of driving one years ago.
Unless there are no mainstream options in budget, I'd look elsewhere I think.
On the plus side, they don't feel slow at all for a van from my memory of driving one years ago.
Unless there are no mainstream options in budget, I'd look elsewhere I think.
Toaster Pilot said:
The e-Transporter is widely regarded as s
te.
Why not a 40kWh eNV200?
You're right, that does seem to be a much better option. He got in touch with the nissan dealer and has sent me various numbers again this evening. The dealer seems quite good and an eNV200 or even a Townstar seems within budget for him, and a much better proposition all round. The only things the e-Transporter seems to have going for it are the badge and the looks, the rest of it is a bit pants! I think he'll end up getting a Townstar, which would do him for the next 10 years quite easily. te. Why not a 40kWh eNV200?
QuickQuack said:
You're right, that does seem to be a much better option. He got in touch with the nissan dealer and has sent me various numbers again this evening. The dealer seems quite good and an eNV200 or even a Townstar seems within budget for him, and a much better proposition all round. The only things the e-Transporter seems to have going for it are the badge and the looks, the rest of it is a bit pants! I think he'll end up getting a Townstar, which would do him for the next 10 years quite easily.
There are some REALLY good deals on the Townstar at the moment - both for lease and purchase. I would be in the market for an EV van but they aren't really there yet. KIA released some concepts that look interesting but they are just 3D renders at the moment. What I want:
- at least 5 seats, easily removable to comfortably fit a motorcycle in the back
- 250 miles range, not slow
- does everything my model 3 does
Merc Viano comes close to the range, but the interior is awful for the price they want.
- at least 5 seats, easily removable to comfortably fit a motorcycle in the back
- 250 miles range, not slow
- does everything my model 3 does
Merc Viano comes close to the range, but the interior is awful for the price they want.
Have seen a few delivery mileage British Gas blue e-Vivaros that have strangely been wrapped grey at auction struggling to make £13k + VAT so I would expect these to start popping up at £16k + VAT.
As for the e-Transporter, they are useless and I feel sorry for anyone that paid £40k for one when they were new.
As for the e-Transporter, they are useless and I feel sorry for anyone that paid £40k for one when they were new.
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