Tuning versions of ABT electric vans

The ABT e-Transporter that debuted at last year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles will be shown in an aerodynamic tuning variant at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

ABT Sportsline is the largest tuner for vehicles of the Volkswagen Group (especially Audi). Through its ABT e-Line subsidiary, the company is introducing a special version of their ABT e-Transporter in Geneva. The latter had initially been presented last year as a conversion of Volkswagen’s iconic T6 van.

The e-Transporter has a 37.3 kWh battery that manages around 208 km per single battery charge. There is also a long-range variant with a larger 74.6 kWh battery pack which should double the electric van’s estimated range to approximately 400 km. At a CCS quick charging station (40 kW), the battery can be charged to 80% capacity in 49 minutes (37.3 kWh version) or 98 minutes (74.6 kWh version). Both versions have a cargo space of 6.7 sqm.

The new tuning package will not change the performance data but includes an aerodynamic body kit with a sportier front bumper, extended side skirts and a large rear wing. The model also has a rear bumper with tailpipe covers thus pointing to the electric nature of the e-Transporter.

The Volkswagen subsidiary will also release a new ABT e-Caddy with up to 4.2 m³ in the load compartment and five seats. It has the same motor and performance data as the larger versions. While the e-Caddy is only available with the smaller of the two batteries, it still has a slightly longer range of 220 km due to its lower weight.

The electric vans will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland from March 7 – 17, 2019 as tuning versions even before the start of series production. The e-Transporter will be available through Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles from the third quarter of this year, while ABT will sell the tuning package.

carscoops.com, abt-sportsline.com

Additional reporting by Nora Manthey.