VW shows its electric delivery van, the e-Co-Motion at Geneva

Electric cars are pretty much the future when it comes to urban mobility but what about commercial vehicles? Well VW has just provided an answer to that very question at the Geneva Motor Show. Called the e-Co-motion, this electrically powered city delivery van could transport goods with zero emissions in the future.

Such a city delivery van should be designed to exclusively utilize electric drive systems, so that users can realize the many benefits of its vehicle properties. In the specification for such a project, top priority should be given to a vehicle that is highly maneuverable with a small footprint and offers very good all-round visibility with a high seat position. In addition, very good seat ergonomics with easy entry and walk-through are desirable. Loading should be made easy by a low cargo floor height, and the vehicle should also offer a large cargo capacity.

The electric drive unit is mounted to the rear axle together with a single-speed planetary gearbox to achieve large wheel turning angles at the front axle and thereby the manoeuvrability that is so important for city operation. The continuous power output of the compact drive unit is an energy-saving 50 kW / 68 PS. The drive unit's maximum power is 85 kW / 115 PS, while its maximum torque of 270 Nm enables good acceleration even in heavily loaded vehicles.

Although it was designed for city deliveries on city streets, the electronics of the e-Co-Motion concept do not limit its top speed until 120 km/h. A battery with a capacity of 20 kWh could be installed for driving ranges of around 100 km, while a battery with 30 kWh would enable a 150 km driving range. Finally, a battery with 40 kWh storage capacity is planned for the top driving range of 200 km. Cheap to run, convenient and practical, this could well be the future of commercial vehicles.