Volkswagen Transporter is getting ready to go down the electrified
route, and we have proof that a plug-in hybrid variant of the popular van is on
its way.
Spied testing in the cold alongside the
regular model was the PHEV in people carrier form. The prototype lacked the
‘Hybrid’ stickers that are mandatory in some countries, yet if you look closely
at the right front quarter panel, you will see a plug port.
Details surrounding the powertrain are
few, but if we were to take a shot at guessing, we’d say that it probably
combines a four-pot gasoline engine with a small electric motor. The battery
pack should supply the necessary juice for a zero-emission daily commute, given
that you do not need to travel too far away from home, so it will likely have
an electric range of a few tens of kilometers.
The Transporter PHEV prototype also had
less camo around the rear side windows, revealing more of the final design. Carscoops spy photographers managed to zoom in on the cockpit as the vehicle was driving
by, giving us a first look at the fresh interior design. Notice the new
infotainment system incorporated in the middle of the dashboard and what seems
to be a digital instrument cluster next to it.
Volkswagen might eventually step up the
game with an electric version of the new-gen Transporter, but this is still a
rumor for now. Meanwhile, we expect the ICE-powered variants to premiere later
this year.