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The weight of the batteries does limit the payload to 306kg however

The e-load up we saw also seemed to have kept many of the high-quality trim materials in the forward cabin that make the standard up and e-up such pleasant places to spend time – it will be interesting to see whether any production version follows the same approach or offers something more basic instead.

The passenger-carrying e-up is already on sale, so there are no surprises when it comes to the e-load up’s drivetrain.

There’s a 60kW/82PS electric motor which can whisk the e-load up to 62 mph in 12.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of just over 80mph.

Range, according to official tests, is rated at about 100 miles, although this is likely to vary substantially in real world conditions according to driving style, temperature and weather.

Even with a big battery pack under the rear floor, the e-load up only weighs 1164kg (heavy for an up, light for an electric vehicle), which means it can carry 306kg (less than a MINI Clubvan at 500kg).

Will we see the e-load up in Volkswagen showrooms alongside the Caddy, the Crafter and the rest?

Certainly the modifications compared with the standard plug-in up are minimal – it all depends on there being “the right level of demand.”

If the e-load up does arrive in the UK, the initial price can be expected to be pretty steep; the passenger-car version of the e-up costs £19,250 including VAT, even after the UK government’s £5000 plug-in car grant.

 

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This is the clincher – a couple of quid to charge up is a bit different from filling the tank

Low, low running costs

On the other hand, running costs should be far lower than a petrol or diesel van. A charge from the mains will only cost a couple of quid and servicing should be cheaper too, as there are few fluids or consumable items on an electric vehicle.

Brakes have a light time of it too, as most of the stopping on an electric car or van comes through the drive-train’s regenerative braking, which dumps power back into the batteries.

And electric power is great for the stop-start pattern of use typical of delivery vehicles, and relaxing in town traffic as well.

If the e-load up seems like a good bet for production, much of the ground has been prepared by an electric workhorse that probably won’t make it into the showroom, at least in its current form.

 

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