VW Just Dropped An Electric Pickup And It’s Not The One You’re Expecting

The Ford-based LCV quietly fills the electric pickup gap with practicality, but it’s not aimed at off-roaders

VW’s midsize van lineup covers a wide range of buyer needs, with options from versatile family movers to practical workhorses. Among them are the Multivan, the all-electric ID. Buzz, and the latest iteration of the Transporter.

What makes the Transporter particularly interesting is that it’s not just a van; it’s also available as a dual-cab pickup. But unlike the Amarok, it can be had with either a diesel engine or a fully electric drivetrain.

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The seventh-generation VW Transporter debuted in 2024, developed in partnership with Ford and sharing its platform with the latest Transit Custom. It comes in a variety of configurations, including panel vans with options like extended wheelbases and high-roof bodies. But for those needing a more open cargo space, there’s also a double-cab dropside version, officially known as the Flatbed DoKa, with a bed designed to handle bulkier loads.

Longer Than the Amarok, With Way More Room Out Back

This flatbed model rides on a stretched wheelbase of 3,500 mm (137.8 inches) and has an overall length of 5,613 mm (221 inches). That makes it 263 mm (10.4 inches) longer than the Amarok, and thanks to its shorter hood, much of that extra length goes straight into the cargo bed. The rear tray measures 2,169 mm (85 inches) in length and 1,945 mm (76.6 inches) in width, providing noticeably more usable space than your typical midsize pickup.

Payload capacity is where it slightly falls short compared to some rivals. The diesel version is rated for up to 736 kg (1,623 pounds), while the electric model bumps that to 785 kg (1,731 pounds). That’s adequate for most tasks, though a bit less than what you’d expect from a conventional midsize truck.

Volkswagen

Visually, the only way to distinguish the electric and diesel versions is the Transporter / e-Transporter lettering on the tailgate, as the rest of the bodywork is shared. Unfortunately, VW doesn’t offer a PanAmericana trim for the flatbed truck, which means that buyers are stuck with the 16-inch steelies or optional alloy wheels of the same size. Still, those who want something more rugged can always head over to aftermarket specialists like Delta 4×4.

Diesel Or Electric

The ICE-powered Flatbed DoKa comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Two output levels are available: 108 hp (81 kW / 110 PS) and 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS). Depending on the version, power is sent to the front wheels or all four, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both the powertrain and ladder-frame chassis come courtesy of Ford.

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On the electric side, the e-Transporter uses a single rear-mounted motor with three output levels. The entry version produces 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), the mid-tier model jumps to 215 hp (160 kW), and the top-spec version peaks at 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS). Regardless of trim, torque is rated at a solid 415 Nm (306.1 lb-ft), which gives the EV versions more pull than the diesel alternatives.

How Much Does it Cost?

According to Vconfigurator in Germany, the Transporter Flatbed DoKa is priced between €46,586⁠-56,648 ($53,200-64,700) for the diesel, and €62,128-66,316 ($70,900-75,700) for the EV. For comparison, the ICE-only VW Amarok starts at €58,525 ($66,800) and tops out at €73,585 ($84,000) in the same market. All prices include the local VAT.