VW Readies Electric Van for Ride-Sharing Service

Volkswagen AG has begun testing a fleet of 20 specially equipped versions of its T6 Multivan in a ride-sharing pilot program in Hannover, Germany.

The prototype all-electric van can accommodate six passengers with a mix of stand-alone individual seats and a rear bench configuration. Users can reserve and book rides via a smartphone app. A pooling algorithm groups passengers with similar destinations to optimize routing, timing and vehicle capacity.

The seats include dimmable reading lights and USB ports. The vans also are equipped with high-speed wi-fi, automated sliding doors and a large luggage area next to the driver.

MOIA, which VW formed a year ago, plans to launch the new service next year in Hamburg with a fleet of 200 electric shuttles. Other cities will be added later.

The electric vans have a range of more than 300 km (186 miles) and can be charged up to 80% of capacity in about 30 minutes, according to VW. The carmaker is demonstrating the technology at this week’s TechCrunch show in Berlin.

Volkswagen’s Commercial Vehicles arm developed and built the van in conjunction with the company’s plant in Osnabruck, Germany. Flexible service models are being developed with cities and local partners.