Volkswagen plans to take back the reins for the electrification of its commercial vehicle fleet. Whereas the ID. Buzz and shared models with Ford are the main focus for now; from 2028, a new and entirely VW-developed electric van platform will electrify the entire range, from Caddy to Crafter.

VW is falling behind slightly in terms of the electrification of its commercial vehicle fleet. The only thing on offer today is the ID. Buzz Cargo, based on the MEB passenger car platform. It lacks the payload and towing capacity of a ‘real’ van. The e-Crafter is a converted diesel van with a high price and poor performance.

New platform coming in 2028

Some consolation is coming with the VW-Ford partnership, which will deliver an E-Transit Custom-based Transporter soon. But Volkswagen wants to take back the reins in its electrification strategy. In an interview with the German press agency DPA, VW Commercial Vehicles boss Carsten Intra announced the arrival of a self-developed electric commercial vehicle platform for 2028.

This new platform results from Audi canceling a flagship electric model built in Hanover in 2026, which is likely the delayed production version of the Landjet concept car. This made room for a new commercial vehicle strategy for VW, shifting from external production with Ford to own products built in their own factories.

Crafter first

The large Crafter will be the first model to receive an electric successor based on this new platform, with the project name ‘Space’, followed by the rest of the fleet in a staggered rhythm. This also allows space for the Ford-based Transporter to reach a complete life cycle.

This also means that any significant product news from VW Commercial Vehicles will be limited until then. “We’ll have to stretch ourselves a bit,” says sub-brand boss Intra.