The German alternative to the Ford Tourneo Connect PHEV gears up for the commercial market.
Volkswagen’s electrification push has seen it launch exciting machines recently. The Volkswagen ID.4 has been part of the automaker’s efforts to make a big splash in the US, and it will be followed by a long-wheelbase ID.Buzz van and possibly even an electric pickup truck. But while the push to EVs has mainly been successful so far, there still exists a group of people who do not wish to rely on an electric powertrain yet but are keen on reducing their carbon footprint. For such individuals, hybrid vehicles are ideal, and one of the latest that Volkswagen is currently developing is, the Caddy eHybrid.
The Caddy is similar in size and purpose to Ford’s Transit Connect cargo van, which is also available as a plug-in hybrid. In these spy photos captured near the Arctic Circle, we see that, like Ford, Volkswagen is taking a very restrained approach to the styling of the hybrid van, with few changes separating it from the conventional combustion-only variants. The front bumper gets a unique grille to indicate its electrified drive unit, with the grille between the headlights smoothly closed up and boasting a narrow accent strip, likely incorporating LED lighting. It’s quite handsome, and we think this is more attractive than what Ford provides.
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On the fender, we see a protruding charging port that, for some reason, is taped over on one of these prototypes (both the Caddy and the longer Caddy Maxi are pictured). Moving to the rear, there’s a pair of tinted taillights smoothly integrated into the rear fascia. This sleek look is complemented by a glass window that appears to hide the number plate lights and rearview camera.
Volkswagen developed both the Caddy and Ford’s Tourneo, so these will offer similar capabilities. The latest rumors suggest that the Caddy eHybrid will be powered by a 1.5-liter TSI engine, replacing the 1.4 that was used in the Gold PHEV. This new engine is expected to be mated to a six-speed DSG automatic transmission, and the electric motor will likely offer between 31-38 miles of all-electric range. A full reveal is predicted for later this year as a 2023 model.
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