2026 Volkswagen E-Transporter gets range boost and four-wheel-drive

Volkswagen is expanding its E-Transporter and E-Caravelle range with a bigger battery, improved charging and the option of all-wheel drive.

Less than a year after the all-electric seventh-generation Transporter arrived, VW has announced a series of upgrades to its commercial and passenger variants.

Among the key upgrades are a new battery with a usable capacity of 70kWh. This replaces the previous 64kWh unit and brings a 13% uplift in range, boosting the E-Transporter’s range to 236 miles.

At the same time, the van’s charging curve has been improved. While its peak charging power remains unchanged at 125kW, updates to the battery management mean that charging from 10-80% now takes around 30 minutes – 10 minutes less than previously. In optimum conditions, the electric T7 can now take on 62 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

It is expected that older versions with the smaller battery will also benefit from improved charging speeds via over-the-air updates, in common with the Ford E-Transit Custom on which the Transporter is based.

For 2026, Volkswagen has also introduced a new all-wheel-drive powertrain in addition to the existing rear-wheel-drive setup that’s been available from launch. Bearing the familiar 4Motion name, the setup adds a motor to the front axle and works in tandem with the electronic stability control to manage torque and braking force across both axles to deliver maximum grip on wet roads, unpaved surfaces and in environments such as building sites.

VW says the optional 4Motion setup will be available in 134bhp, 215bhp and 282bhp outputs.

The updated E-Transporter and E-Caravelle are expected to go on sale in the coming months, with pricing still to be confirmed.