VW Has Just Released an Electric Pickup, and It's Not What You Anticipated | Carscoops

      The Ford-based LCV discreetly addresses the electric pickup market with practicality but is not designed for off-road enthusiasts.

      The VW Transporter T7 features a dual-cab flatbed layout with an extended wheelbase and is built on the Ford Transit Custom platform, available with diesel and fully electric powertrains.

      It is longer than the Amarok and offers a more spacious cargo area, although it does not have a rugged trim option.

      VW’s midsize van series caters to a diverse array of consumer needs, offering everything from versatile family vehicles to utilitarian work vans. This lineup includes the Multivan, the fully electric ID. Buzz, and the newest version of the Transporter.

      What sets the Transporter apart is its dual functionality; it is not solely a van but can also function as a dual-cab pickup. Unlike the Amarok, it is available with either a diesel engine or a fully electric powertrain.

      The seventh generation of the VW Transporter was introduced in 2024, created in collaboration with Ford and sharing its platform with the latest Transit Custom. It offers various configurations including panel vans with options for extended wheelbases and high-roof variants. Additionally, for those who require larger cargo space, there is a double-cab dropside model known as the Flatbed DoKa, which features a bed designed for bulkier items.

      The flatbed model is built on a lengthened wheelbase of 3,500 mm (137.8 inches) and has an overall length of 5,613 mm (221 inches). This makes it 263 mm (10.4 inches) longer than the Amarok, with most of that additional length benefiting the cargo bed due to its shorter hood. The rear tray has dimensions of 2,169 mm (85 inches) in length and 1,945 mm (76.6 inches) in width, offering significantly more usable space than a typical midsize pickup.

      However, its payload capacity is somewhat lower compared to some competitors. The diesel variant is rated for a payload of up to 736 kg (1,623 pounds), while the electric version can carry up to 785 kg (1,731 pounds). This is sufficient for most jobs, though it may be less than what one would expect from a conventional midsize truck.

      In terms of appearance, the only way to differentiate between the electric and diesel models is through the Transporter / e-Transporter lettering on the tailgate, as the bodywork is identical. Unfortunately, VW does not provide a PanAmericana trim for the flatbed model, meaning buyers have to choose either the available 16-inch steel wheels or alloy wheels of the same size. Nevertheless, those seeking a more rugged aesthetic can turn to aftermarket specialists like Delta 4×4.

      The diesel version of the Flatbed DoKa comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, offering two output options: 108 hp (81 kW / 110 PS) and 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS). Depending on the version, power is delivered to either the front wheels or all four, accompanied by either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both the powertrain and ladder-frame chassis are developed by Ford.

      On the electric side, the e-Transporter features a single rear-mounted motor with three power options. The base version generates 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), the mid-tier model increases to 215 hp (160 kW), and the top variant reaches 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS). Regardless of the trim, torque is rated at a robust 415 Nm (306.1 lb-ft), allowing the electric versions to deliver more power than their diesel counterparts.

      Pricing for the Transporter Flatbed DoKa in Germany ranges from €46,586 to €56,648 ($53,200 to $64,700) for the diesel model, and from €62,128 to €66,316 ($70,900 to $75,700) for the electric model. In comparison, the ICE-only VW Amarok starts at €58,525 ($66,800) and can go up to €73,585 ($84,000) in the same market. All prices are inclusive of local VAT.

      The Volkswagen Transporter T7 lineup is being promoted by actor Jason Statham, who reprises his role from the "Transporter" film series for the marketing campaign.