New Volkswagen Multivan T7 debuts in Europe

Volkswagen has been long working to introduce the electric successor for one of its most iconic offerings, the Microbus, which is based on 2017's ID.Buzz concept car. After providing us with a number of images, teasers, and sketched images, the automaker has finally unveiled the T7 Multivan, which will be offered with a variety of diesel, petrol, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

However, the plans of developing the new electric van coincide with the development of the seventh generation of VW's conventional T-series vans. The newly released van continues to be passenger-oriented. As for commercial buyers, the automaker VW will not be offering the latest generation and they have to continue with the current T6 generation that comes in the Transporter guise. 

Talking about the exterior of the car, the van features LED headlamp units for enhanced lighting. While the LED that comes as standard is sufficient for better driving ability, buyers can upgrade to interactive IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps that can be put to full beam permanently, without blinding the drivers coming in your direction. Further, the automaker has also made its lighting more accurate to illuminate its corners. 

Arguably the biggest news for the current-gen van is its powertrain. For the first time in its history, the automaker has provided the Multivan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Termed as eHybrid, the mill combines a 1.4L TSI engine and an 85kW electric motor, giving out a total output of 215 hp. 

The powertrain is further complemented with a 13-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, mounted under the van's floor. While the automaker doesn't reveal stats for the speed or range, the Multivan is said to be capable of all-electric short urban trips. 

Lastly, the car is expected to launch in Europe next year and is confirmed to reach the United States in 2023, meaning we'll likely see it arrive as a 2024 model.

Also read: Volkswagen to get S$462 million in dieselgate settlement