The eT! takes styling cues from the current Transporter - no bad thing
Volkswagen has released images showing eT!, a van concept that provides some clues about how vans of the future might operate, from the second half of the current decade onwards.
The eT! features functionality such as semi-automatic driving – following a postman along a street, for instance – as well as joystick control from the passenger side to allow the driver to move short distances while remaining on the pavement side of the vehicle – speeding up urban multi-drop and postal deliveries. Electric power is also included, providing zero emission urban operation.
The eT! is the result of collaborative research between Volkswagen Group Research, Deutsche Post (a big VW customer) and the University of Art at Braunschweig. It is not likely to see production in the immediate future but according to Dr. Rudolf Krebs, it is part of Volkswagen’s attempt to “make plans today for what the world of lightweight commercial vehicles might look like starting in the second half of this decade, including with regard to electrical drives.”
High on the list is low or zero emissions for urban use, along with improved ergonomics for deliveries (think about how many times a courier driver gets out of his van on the offside – into traffic – and then walks around it to the near-side sliding door each day.
The eT! is an interesting concept, although in the UK at least, legislation regarding leaving vehicles running whilst unattended would probably have to be changed before VW’s mooted semi-automatic ‘follow me’ system could be used. That said, automatic vehicle operation is already possible and has been proven by a number of companies already. I firmly believe it will happen in my lifetime – at least on motorways and other major routes, where it could provide useful safety benefits and contribute to reduced congestion and emissions.
The eT! concept pictured in this article was shown at the Design Centre of Potsdam in Germany and was specifically designed as a mail delivery vehicle. It is easy to see how other configurations would be possible, especially for courier and other delivery use.
The eT! has an electric sliding door that provides access to both passenger and cargo bay entrances
No concept vehicle is complete without an iPad docking station!
The 'standing seat' on the passenger side provides excellent access to the load area plus allows the driver to move the van short distances using a joystick control - no more walking all the way around the van to move it 50 yards.