Unveiled at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, the all-electric version of the new panel van features a 100kw electric motor that gives it a maximum speed of 80kph along with a claimed range of over 200km.

The concept vehicle's battery pack, which is made up of 312 cells and has a total capacity of 43 kilowatt hours, is located under the cargo space floor, ensuring that capacity remains unchanged. Cargo space is 11.3 cubic metres with a maximum cargo space height of 1,961 millimetres. The load width available between the wheel arches is 1,380mm and the maximum cargo space length is 4,855mm. Other practical cargo features include a ProSafe load-lashing system, Flex-Rack set-up and Globelyst shelving system from Sortimo.

The battery pack takes 45 minutes to charge to 80% capacity. VW also says the model is set up to accommodate future battery developments, giving it a range of up to 400km, enabling its use by businesses outside urban areas.

Design features include bespoke Reef Blue Metallic paintwork, matching painted bumpers and protective side strips and a blue bar on the radiator grille to distinguish the e-Crafter from conventional models, along the signature C-shape of the daytime running lights used on Volkswagen electric vehicles. The interior also brings a 'power meter' in place of a rev counter, a leather steering wheel with blue decorative stitching and titanium black seats with blue trim.

Volkswagen says first models will be with customers by early 2017.