Features
19 Apr 23

New e-LCVs allow fleets to custom build bodies

The electrification of light commercial vehicle fleets has taken a quantum leap forward with the launch of new chassis-only models on which businesses can build bodies.

The first wave of e-LCVs were almost all panel vans, designed to meet the needs of last mile operations, but this new generation allows businesses to create specialist vehicles, such as dropsides, tippers and lifts.

Iveco

For Iveco, the new e-Daily chassis (pictured top) builds on the manufacturer’s market strength in chassis cab variants of its diesel-powered LCVs. At the Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK, the manufacturer unveiled three versions of its e-Daily in 3.5 tonne, 4.25 tonne and 7.25 tonne variants.

Even the lightest is capable of towing a 3.5 tonne load, “which means it can be used in the construction and utility industries,” said Mike Cutts, Light Business Line Director, Iveco.

“It also has class-leading on-board power ePTO (electric Power Take-Off), from 2.5kW to 15kW, which means bodybuilders can fit a tail-lift or more substantial equipment such as access platforms and waste compactors.”

This allows the e-Daily to function operationally in exactly the same way as its diesel predecessor, making life simpler for fleets. Moreover, by mirroring the underpinnings of the diesel version, with similar dimensions and mounting points, bodybuilders do not have to redesign the bodies they have historically built on the Iveco Daily.

The e-Daily also has a smart, flexible design to its battery packs, allowing fleets to add a pack for extended range (the vehicle has a WLTP range of about 400km) or remove a battery pack to increase payload for applications where range is less of an issue.

“We can add or remove batteries in less than two hours, so fleets can future-proof their investment with the ability to change the range of the vehicle, and it also allows the second owner of the vehicle to adapt the vehicle to their own use,” said Cutts.

Watt Electric Vehicle Company

The potential to build a variety of vehicle bodyshapes off the same modular electric chassis was showcased by Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) at the event. It unveiled a 3.5 tonne e-LCV 3.5 tonne chassis on which electric commercial vehicle specialist, ETRUX, had built a body (pictured above).

Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC, said: “Our unique approach will enable the transition to mission-specific, yet cost-effective electric light commercial vehicles. Our eCV1 platform will allow customers to benefit from electrified commercial vehicles tailored to exactly meet their needs.”

B-ON

B-ON, formerly known as StreetScooter, also unveiled a pure chassis e-LCV, with a range of about 170km from its 41kWh battery pack. Originally designed for last mile deliveries, the electric van is also available as a delivery vehicle with 8m3 (Max Box) or 13m3 (Giga) bodies.

 The vehicle is already well used in Germany, where the Deutsch Post fleet is running 22,500 B-ONs, and the manufacturer has now launched a pan-European charging solution with EO Charging to provide charging hardware, installation and support services. 

B-ON will be distributed in the UK by International Motors, which also distributes Subaru and Isuzu, with plans for the two companies to partner in other territories within Europe at a later date.

Ford

In the cargo van space, Ford Pro took the wraps off its new E-Transit Courier at the Commercial Vehicle Show. The all-electric LCV is due to enter production in 2024, backed by fast (100kW) charging capabilities and a suite of connected services to maximise vehicle uptime.

Hans Schep, General Manager, Ford Pro, Europe, said the vehicle’s Ford Pro E-Telematics would provide live data on charging status, battery state-of-charge, and remaining range (including customisable low-range alerts. Ford also expects the E-Transit Courier to be able to access 500,000 public chargers across Europe by 2024 as the manufacturer develops its BlueOval Charge Network.

Prices for the e-LCV have yet to be announced, but Ford Pro Service expects maintenance costs to be at least 35% lower than diesel models.

Maxus

Maxus is another manufacturer to use the show to launch a new vehicle, unveiling its mid-sized eDeliver 7 at the event, with orders available from August. The van comes with two battery options, 77kWh and 88kWh, a payload of 1.2 tonnes and a WLTP range of up to 365km.

Mark Barrett, director of Harris Maxus, said: “Our electric vans have proven popular with businesses in the delivery, pharma and grocery/retail sectors, as well as being the number one choice for many local councils that are looking to switch to electric.”

Nissan

A category smaller than the Maxus is the new Nissan Townstar compact electric van, which replaces the trail-blazing eNV200. The Townstar is capable of AC and DC charging, has a WLTP combined range of almost 300km, and a payload of 0.66 to 0.88 tonnes, as well as a cargo capacity large enough to swallow two Euro pallets.

Allan Newman, LCV Product Manager at Nissan GB, said: “With tougher emissions standards, urban access restrictions, and ever-increasing demand for last-mile delivery, businesses need to find effective and sustainable solutions to remain competitive and optimise their operations.”

If you would like to know more about LCV Management and discover the latest innovations in the LCV business, then join our LCV Expert Day on 15 June in Munich, co-hosted by Fleet Europe and Sortimo. More information here

Authored by: Jonathan Manning