Where do we start? Well, in no particular order let’s kick off with Renault which announced full details of the all-new Master E-Tech. The headline here is undoubtedly the range between charges which, when specified with the larger 87kWh battery is giving a WLTP Combined range of 255 miles (this has been eased back from the originally estimated 285 miles). The power consumption per mile looks to be very low and Renault is suggesting that this is down to efficiency improvements, including sleek aerodynamics. The motor is rated at 128hp with the smaller 40kWh battery option, or 140hp with the larger unit. Maximum payload (model dependent) is an impressive 1625kgs.
Mercedes-Benz has released further details about the new eSprinter. A top-level look at the information pack we have received shows a WLTP Combined range of up to 271 miles, a choice of three battery packs up to 113kWh in capacity, two motor options of 134hp or 201hp, 11kW AC (with an option of 22kW to come) and 115kW DC charging, and payloads of up to 1481kg. There is a host of new features including a new telematics standard, a ‘moving off information system’, turning assistant and in the cab, an instrument cluster with a colour display.
There’s just one catch that we can see – according to the information we have seen the van is only available at a GVM of 4250kgs. Although this takes advantage of the current derogation allowing drivers holding a ‘normal’ licence to drive the van, the scheme has some significant operating restrictions. We understand that the government is working on revising these, but in the interim, this could hold back sales of the new eSprinter.
Although Maxus showed us the eDeliver 7 medium-sized van at the CV show last Spring, it’s only last month that we got all the gen and to take a look at (and drive) this excellent entry into the market. In summary, there are two lengths, two heights, two battery sizes, a motor rated at 204hp and a WLTP range of up to 230 miles. With payloads of up to 1200kg, this van looks to have all bases covered. ‘One to watch’ is an overused phrase but, this really is one to watch in our opinion.
The other big piece of news is the announcement of the alliance of Iveco and Hyundai which will result in the Italian company marketing a van based on Hyundai’s eLCV platform but bearing an Iveco badge. We’re assuming (and hoping!) that the van will make its way to the UK, where traditionally Iveco has struggled to scale the volume of sales in the van market for the Daily van. The eDaily has been a great addition and may give a real foothold in the electric sector but this has the potential to see Iveco go big by going smaller!
