Range extenders
So, nothing much happens in the world of electric vans? The past couple of months have seen some big changes and, as we all move towards 2024, it's not over yet
Renault >>
Renault used the recent Solutrans CV Show in Lyons, France to unveil the new Master. This is not a refreshed version of the outgoing Master but a completely new model, designed to be powered by diesel engines, or a battery electric drivetrain, which will be joined in the future by a hydrogen engine or fuel cell version.
Renault claims the best aerodynamics of any large van, with a shorter bonnet, more raked windscreen, while air intake ducts in the bumper are streamlined, as is the slope of the roof. The rear is narrower than the front. The result can be seen in reduced emissions for diesel variants and improved range for electric versions.
The Master E-Tech electric is powered by a 105kW motor, providing 300Nm of torque. Energy is stored in an 87kWh battery, providing a claimed range of more than 255 miles. With a 130kW DC fast charger, Renault claims that 158 miles range can be added in 30 minutes.
Renault also claims a payload of 1,625kg and towing capacity of 2,500kg. There are many other features from vehicle to grid connections and connectivity, with Google built in. There will be front and rear-wheel-drive variants, three body lengths for vans and 20 chassis cab and platform cab derivatives. UK deliveries are due from September 2024.
“The Master E-Tech electric is powered by a 105kW motor, providing 300Nm of torque”
Iveco >>
Like Renault, Iveco boasts a new logo for its products, as seen in the photographs. Although the basic Daily body and structure remain the same, Iveco has introduced a range of new features to its lightest vehicle. These include keyless entry and go, enabling vehicle locking and unlocking from an app as well as remote window opening and closing.
Single wheel versions benefit from lighter weight chassis steel plus a composite leaf spring at the front and aluminium suspension components to improve payload. New suspension bushes, bearings and shock absorbers are said to improve both comfort and handling. A lightweight pack, including 40-litre fuel tank and composite rear springs can reduce chassis weight by 55kgs for single-wheel models. Iveco is also offering alternative mounting points for both radar sensors and cameras.
New to electric versions is the option of a fourth battery in the eDaily’s modular battery pack, extending battery capacity up to 148kWh, offering a range up to 149 miles for the 7.2-tonne GVW eDaily variant. The four-battery option is not available with lighter models.
“New to electric versions is the option of a fourth battery in the eDaily’s modular battery pack”
Stellantis >>
As we reported in the last issue of EV Fleet World Digital, Stellantis has revised its entire van range, while grouping all light CV operations in the Stellantis Pro One division. For electric variants, this means extending connectivity to all light CV models by the end of 2023, introducing enhancements for converters and upfitters with the introduction of e-Power Take Off options, as well as extending battery range for all models.
For the smallest models – Citroën Ë-Berlingo, Peugeot E-Partner, Fiat E-Doblo and Vauxhall Combo E, this means a new 50kWh battery, with range increased up to 204 miles, a new three-stage regenerative braking system and optional heat pump to help reduce battery drain for cabin heating. All models now have revised frontal treatment and revised instrument panels. Peugeot models have a revised i-Cockpit with all-digital instruments.
The medium van range Citroën Ë-Dispatch, Peugeot E-Expert, Fiat E-Scudo and Vauxhall Vivaro E are given similar treatment, with revised frontal treatment and LED headlamps, with new digital instruments inside. There is now a wireless connection for Apple and Android phones. Models with the 75kWh battery gain extended range with up to 217 miles now possible.
Big news for the largest models – Citroën Ë-Relay, Fiat E-Ducato, Peugeot E-Boxer and Vauxhall Movano E is that all models gain a new drive motor and single 110kWh battery option, providing a claimed range of up to 260 miles. Similar revisions to the smaller models are included. A fuel cell model is also planned for 2024.
Toyota >>
Another beneficiary of the revised large Stellantis vans is Toyota. The company has not offered a large van option in Europe before but has now decided to base a model on the large van in the same way that it does for the Proace City and Proace vans, which also benefit from the Stellantis revisions.
The new large van will be the Proace Max. In the UK, Toyota will offer four different van sizes. Two wheelbase lengths will provide three different lengths and two roof heights. Electric variants will be based on the 4,250kg GVW electric platform offering a payload of up to 1,800kg and body volumes between 11m3 and 17m3. A towing capacity of 2,000kg will add to Proace Max’ versatility. Proace Max will have a range of up to 261 miles from its 110kWh battery. Eco, Normal and Power modes enable drivers to balance range and power requirements. Platform cab, chassis cab and crew cab variants are available in all variants except the longer platform cab model. Proace Max will be available from September 2024.
Emmanuel Beaune, head of the LCV Business Unit at Toyota Motor Europe told Van Fleet World that Toyota is missing around 30 per cent of the LCV segment without a large van, “It was requested and we believe it will be an important conquest tool for us. We also want to develop our network across Europe on LCV.”
Toyota has been working on fuel cell vehicles since 1992, with the second generation Mirai passenger model on sale since 2020. Now with the support of Innovate UK, a team at the Toyota Burnaston plant in Derbyshire is working on an hydrogen fuel-cell (FCEV) powered Hilux pickup truck. The UK is the best-selling market for Hilux in Europe, accounting for 18 per cent of European Hilux sales. Given that pickups are used in remote places where there may be no access to battery charging, FCEV could provide an alternative.
The project began in 2021 and the Hilux FCEV is based on the Mirai powertrain, with the fuel cell stack under the bonnet and the hydrogen tanks housed inside the ladder frame chassis. The hybrid battery pack is housed at the front of the load bed. The current prototype is two-wheel-drive, but the next variant will be engineered for four-wheel-drive. Carrying seven to eight kilogrammes of hydrogen in the tanks at 700 bar, the Toyota development team are aiming at a range of around 370 miles.
