CV Show 2019: the year of the electric van

There was a number of electric vans launched at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show. Here's our summary

The Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham is the UK’s largest automotive showcase. Running from 30 April to 2 May 2019, it’s the showfloor for all sectors of the road transport and logistics industry. This year there was a number of electric van launches.

Citroen

Citroen has launched the Relay Electric at the CV Show 2019, which is the largest vehicle in the range.

This is part of Groupe PSA's commitment to have electrified variants of each model available by 2025.

New Citroën Relay Electric models will be produced at the Sevel factory in Val di Sangro, Italy and converted by partner BD Auto.

Citroen also showcased its new Berlingo Van and Dispatch. These will both have an electrified version in the next year or two (2020 for Dispatch and 2021 for Berlingo).

Peugeot

The Peugeot Boxer Electric has made its debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show, adding a zero-emission model to the Boxer LCV range.  

This continues Peugeot’s electrification strategy, which will see all vehicles offered with an electrified variant by 2023.

The Boxers will be offered in two range options depending on wheelbase size. L1 and L2 models will get a range of 141 miles, while the longer L3 and L4 models will get 169 miles on a single charge (NEDC).

Under more realistic WLTP figures however, the company estimates real-world range from the 44kWh battery to be between 99 and 140 miles depending on the spec of the van.

LDV

LDV has launched its second electric van, the EV30, at the Commercial Vehicle Show. It is the first vehicle in LDV’s range that will only come as a zero-emission fully-electric vehicle.

Manufactured by China's SAIC and distributed by Harris Automotive Distributors, the EV30 is a small, fully-electric commercial vehicle with zero emissions and a range of 200 miles on a single charge (53kWh battery).

Every EV30 is fitted with a high-capacity lithium-iron battery manufactured by CATL, China’s largest battery manufacturer and offering two battery packs, a 35kWh battery which offers a range of 127 miles and a 53kWh battery with a range of 200 miles.

Rapid battery charging time is 45 minutes while also boasting a full AC charge in 5 hours, which can be done using off-peak, cheap rate electricity to maximise cost savings. The AC charging can be used on either a single phase or three phase charger.

The standard EV30 boasts a carrying capacity of 5m³ due to its unique monocoque floor plan that offers the maximum payload in its category.

This latest LDV van is a versatile vehicle that comes in short wheelbase and long wheelbase form. The wheelbase of the larger version has been extended by 600mm for an overall length of 5.1m, while also boasting a carrying capacity of 6.3m³ and payload of 1000kg.

The EV30 also offers a silent, versatile driving experience with low running costs and, naturally, the satisfaction of motoring with zero tailpipe emissions in use.  

The LDV EV30 will be available to order from January 2020 at a guide price from £22,000.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen showcased the all-electric versions of the Caddy, Transporter and Crafter at the event, alongside its latest innovative delivery solution, the eCrafter bike.

The ABT e-Caddy is due to arrive on market in mid-2019 with a range of around 136 miles.

The Battery system of the ABT e-Transporter has scalable design: customers can choose between 130 and 248 mile range.

The Cargo e‑Bike is a pedal electric cycle that adds power assistance to its rider's pedalling with a 250 Watt (48V) mid-mounted motor at speeds up to 25 km/h.

It is also worth mentioning that Vauxhall launched the new Vivaro van this year, and has said it will offer a purely electric version of the new Vivaro next year.