Tuesday, November 29 2011
The Volkswagen eT! Concept was unveiled at the Design Centre of Potsdam this week and showcased what is to be the future of the standard delivery vehicle. An electrically-powered van, the eT! Van will be able to drive itself while unoccupied, even responding to external commands.
The concept van is described as a research vehicle that could potentially revolutionise the lightweight commercial van market. Alongside the zero-emissions electric motor, the van features more clever technological perks- the most outstanding of which has to be a semi-automatic driving function which requires no driver in the driving seat.
In association with the German Post Office, the concept of the eT! has been designed by VW to serve practical everyday purposes. For example, at a simple command, the eT! can be remotely instructed by its owner to follow or meet them at a certain spot. Designs also incorporate passenger side controls, standing passenger side are and sliding door for greatly increased functionality when making multiple deliveries.
VW’s Dr Wolfgang Schreiber commented that the eT! research vehicle unites many concepts which will become increasingly relevant in the future: “In particular, the possibility of driving the car economically and semi-automatically in downtown, urban areas unifies economical and environmental aspects more systematically than ever,”
Although unlike other new VW electric vehicles, the eT! is unlikely to be widely available in a showroom any time soon, it is instead a showcase of the cutting-edge possibilities which could become realities in meeting the needs of future customers.