Europcar offering contractors free three-week electric van test drive
Europcar is providing infrastructure and construction firms with a free, three-week test period using an all-electric Volkswagen e-Transporter to explore how electric vans can fit into their operations.
Offering a range of between 192 and 201 miles, the e-Transporter is priced from £47,855. The Europcar version is built to Chapter 8 van regulations, meaning it is finished in a hi-vis livery, with red and yellow chevron markings to warn road users and pedestrians alike of its presence.
Additional features include a recycled ply lining and flooring, plus a non-drill, removable Chapter 8 compliant light bar. Meanwhile, a 50kW solar panel is fitted to the roof to power the e-Transporter’s fan, lights, and other electrical equipment. Simultaneously, the solar panel can add up to 6% of range to the e-Transporter’s 64kWh battery.
Europcar introduced the scheme as it views the standard three-day test period as too short for potential e-van users.
“Manufacturer test drives of similar vehicles are usually a maximum of 72 hours, which doesn’t provide drivers and their employers with a full picture of e-van life in all weathers, road conditions and job types,” said Tom Middleditch, Europcar’s lead B2B marketing and sustainability spokesperson.
“We know from experience that even reluctant electric drivers feel more positive about making the switch after a real-world test drive,” he continued. “We believe that offering the VW e-Transporter for a significant three-week length free trial will help reduce fleet emissions in the longer term.”
The VW e-Transporter has a load space of either 5.8m3 in short wheelbase form, or 6.8m3 for the long wheelbase variant. Payload also varies between 1,013kg and 1,088kg. Towing capacity is a class-leading 2,300kg.
Inside, Volkswagen has been generous with the specs. The entry-level Commerce Plus gets heated seats, LED headlights, body-coloured exterior trim, cruise control, parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
The Commerce Pro adds 16-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, blind spot assist, a heated windscreen, and wireless phone charging. Both trim levels come with a 12-inch digital driver display, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
When it comes to power, the VW e-Transporter has 215bhp, 317 lb ft of torque, and a top speed of 93mph.
