Why eDub Can't Extend the Range of the VW e-Transporter ABT

The growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has prompted numerous companies to explore ways of improving vehicle performance and range. One such company, eDub, has become well-known for modifying electric vehicles to enhance their capabilities. However, when it comes to the Volkswagen e-Transporter ABT, eDub has hit a roadblock. Despite its track record of successful vehicle modifications, extending the range of the e-Transporter ABT presents unique challenges that can't easily be overcome. In this blog, we’ll dive into why eDub can't simply boost the range of this electric van and what factors are at play.

1. Battery Limitations: The Core Challenge

At the heart of every electric vehicle is the battery. The range of an EV is directly tied to the capacity of its battery — the more kilowatt-hours (kWh) it can store, the further it can travel on a single charge.

The Volkswagen e-Transporter ABT comes with a 37.3 kWh battery, which is already a fairly compact size for a commercial electric van. To extend its range, eDub would need to either replace or supplement this battery with a larger one. However, there are several constraints:

Physical Space: The battery is a large, heavy component, and fitting a bigger one in the limited space available in the e-Transporter is not as simple as swapping out one battery for a larger one. The van’s chassis and design are tailored to fit a specific battery size, so any upgrade would require significant modifications to the vehicle's structure.
Weight and Efficiency: A larger battery means more weight, and adding weight to an already heavy electric van can actually reduce the efficiency gains. The e-Transporter ABT is designed with a certain weight and balance, and introducing a much heavier battery could negatively impact the driving dynamics and overall efficiency.

1

2. Cost-Effectiveness and Practicality

Even if eDub could find a way to physically install a larger battery, the next issue would be the cost. Battery technology remains expensive, and a larger battery with more range could add significant cost to the e-Transporter ABT. For businesses relying on these vans for delivery or transport, the ROI of such an upgrade might not make sense.

The cost of a larger battery, combined with the labor and expertise needed to retrofit the van, would likely be prohibitive for many small and medium-sized businesses. While eDub has experience with custom modifications, the economics of a larger battery could make the improvement unfeasible for the target market.

3. Battery Management and Integration Issues

Even if a larger battery could be installed, there’s the issue of integrating it properly with the vehicle’s existing electrical system. The VW e-Transporter ABT has a carefully designed Battery Management System (BMS) that ensures safe and efficient charging, discharging, and thermal management.

Introducing a different or larger battery would require recalibrating or even replacing the BMS to ensure it can handle the increased power demands and monitor the health of the new battery. This is a complex process that requires deep integration with the vehicle’s onboard software and systems.

Moreover, the e-Transporter ABT’s motor and powertrain are designed around the existing battery. Modifying the system to accommodate a larger battery could lead to performance issues, such as inefficient power delivery, reduced reliability, or even potential damage to the motor or power electronics.

4. Charging Infrastructure Limitations

A bigger battery might allow for greater range, but it also comes with the potential drawback of longer charging times. Charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles is still developing, and many businesses rely on existing fast-charging networks. A larger battery would likely require longer charging times, which could disrupt business operations.

The fast-charging infrastructure for the e-Transporter ABT is designed to handle the existing 37.3 kWh battery. With a larger battery, the charging process would likely need to be modified to handle the increased energy requirements. Without widespread availability of high-speed charging stations capable of accommodating larger batteries, the extended range might come at the cost of convenience and downtime.

5. VW’s Own Design and Development Plans

Volkswagen has a strong vested interest in the performance and reliability of their e-Transporter ABT. They are continuously developing improvements to both their electric vans and their overall EV technology. It’s likely that any serious advancements in range, battery capacity, or charging efficiency will come directly from Volkswagen itself, as they would ensure compatibility, warranty, and proper integration with their systems.

While third-party modifiers like eDub can do great things with vehicles, manufacturers like Volkswagen are typically the ones who have the resources and expertise to design solutions that are safe, reliable, and compatible with the vehicle’s overall ecosystem.

Conclusion: Finding Balance Between Range and Practicality

In conclusion, while the idea of extending the range of the Volkswagen e-Transporter ABT is appealing, it is fraught with technical, logistical, and economic challenges. Battery limitations, physical constraints, integration issues, and the practicalities of cost all play significant roles in why companies like eDub can’t simply make the van go farther on a single charge.

For now, businesses looking to get more range out of their e-Transporters may have to look into improving their charging infrastructure, optimizing driving habits, or even considering the larger models in the VW electric commercial lineup. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is likely to continue advancing the battery and electric powertrain technologies that could bring greater range in the future — but for the time being, eDub’s hands are tied by the inherent limitations of the e-Transporter ABT.

In the world of electric vehicles, sometimes the best solution isn’t a modification, but a new generation of technology. Stay tuned, as innovations in battery and charging tech continue to evolve — the future of EV range may be closer than we think!