Volkswagen’s Electrified Commercial Vehicles for Australia
Volkswagen is making significant strides in electrifying its commercial vehicle lineup in Australia. The company is set to introduce plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric versions of its vans and people movers, catering to growing customer demand for more environmentally friendly options.
Upcoming Models and Features
The German brand has confirmed that the Ford Transit Connect-based Caddy eHybrid will soon be available overseas, with local availability “under consideration.” A PHEV version of the T7 Multivan is also on the horizon, expected within the next 12 months. The Ford Transit Custom-based Transporter will launch with PHEV and EV setups within the next year, joining the all-electric ID. Buzz.
Karsten Seifert, Volkswagen Group Australia managing director, emphasized that customer demand is driving the expansion of the electrified range. “The new Transporter will be available with all three drivetrains by next year,” he said, highlighting the different needs of private and fleet customers.
Powertrain Options for the Transporter
The updated Transporter is set to launch in Australia in the second half of 2025 with turbo-diesel and EV powertrains. The diesel models will feature a 2.0-litre engine producing 125kW and 390Nm, available with front- or all-wheel drive. The EVs will utilize an 83kWh battery, offering 210kW/415Nm and rear-wheel drive.
PHEV variants, arriving in the third quarter of 2026, will combine a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, producing up to 169kW and driving the front wheels. Lars Krause, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles executive vice president of sales and marketing, noted that the three powertrains will complement the range of bodies available for the Transporter.
Expanding Electrified Lineup
The T7 Multivan, now based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo passenger car platform, will receive a PHEV powertrain within the next 12 months. The ID. Buzz Cargo is also expected to be introduced in the Australian market soon.
While Volkswagen’s passenger vehicle lineup has limited electric and hybrid options in Australia, the commercial division is leading the charge in electrification. The brand’s efforts are focused on providing a range of choices for customers, including private and fleet buyers, to meet their specific needs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
