Volkswagen e-Transporter Review: A Sensible, EV Workhorse
What is it?
The electric van space is growing fast, and the Volkswagen e-Transporter Commerce Plus is one of the latest entries aiming to meet the everyday needs of business users—without reinventing the wheel.
This isn’t VW’s first attempt at an electric van (the ID. Buzz Cargo takes that honour), but the e-Transporter Commerce Plus is aimed more squarely at traditional fleet buyers and small businesses that want something practical, relatively high-spec, and, crucially, electric.
Exterior Design
Visually, the e-Transporter Commerce Plus doesn’t stray far from the template. There’s no dramatic EV styling here—just a straightforward, slightly dated-looking van that prioritises function over flair. Offered in short- and long-wheelbase formats, and with the option of a high roof, it fits into VW’s existing van family without much ceremony.
And that might be the point. There’s nothing here to signal “radical electric future”—which could be exactly what some buyers are looking for.
Performance & Range
There are two variants: a 136hp version for basic needs, and a 218hp “Commerce Pro” if you need something a bit punchier. Both drive the rear wheels and deliver 430Nm of torque—enough to make pulling away with a full load feel easy, especially around town.
Real-world performance is fine, though not particularly memorable. Acceleration is adequate, with the higher-output version doing 0-62mph in a respectable 8.6 seconds. Top speed caps at 93mph—not that many van drivers will be pushing that limit.
The e-Transporter runs a 64kWh battery, which VW claims delivers up to 201 miles of range. That figure drops to around 150–170 miles in real use, especially with a load on board, which is competitive—but falls short of newer rivals like the Ford E-Transit Custom.
Charging is reasonably quick: up to 125kW DC fast charging gets you from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes. AC charging at 11kW takes around 8.5 hours, which is fine for overnight depot setups. Efficiency is decent at around 2.8 miles per kWh.
Comfort & Interior Features
Step inside and things feel refreshingly work-focused. There’s a proper driver’s seat with heating and lumbar support, and while the cabin isn’t plush, it’s thoughtfully laid out.
A 13-inch central touchscreen and a 12-inch driver display come standard, along with wireless App Connect and DAB radio. It’s all relatively easy to use, with minimal learning curve.
There’s plenty of in-cab storage and a few clever touches—like a folding centre seat that doubles as a desk, and a magnetic load-through hatch for transporting long items. You don’t get gimmicks like ambient lighting or fancy finishes, but you probably won’t miss them.
Practicality
Where the e-Transporter Commerce Plus does well is load-carrying. The payload tops out at 1,013kg, and depending on the spec, you’ll get between 5.8 to 9 cubic metres of load volume. That puts it in line with most key rivals.
That load-through hatch under the front seats is genuinely useful for awkward items like pipes or poles. All-season tyres come as standard on this EV version—one less thing to think about when the weather changes.
Verdict
The e-Transporter Commerce Plus doesn’t try to grab headlines with flashy design or class-leading figures—but that’s not really its mission. What it offers instead is a well-rounded, dependable electric van that gets the fundamentals right.
It’s not the longest-range or the cheapest EV van you can buy, but it strikes a practical balance between everyday usability, comfort, and real-world efficiency. The cabin is smartly laid out, the tech is genuinely helpful, and there are thoughtful touches throughout that suggest this van was designed by people who understand the needs of working drivers.
If your business is looking to move away from diesel without overcomplicating things, the e-Transporter makes a strong case. It may not be exciting, but it’s easy to live with, well-supported across the UK, and capable of handling the daily grind without drama.
