CASE STUDIES
Behold the new battery electrics
Matt MacConnell investigates the new LCVs set to hit the UK market
While the car industry moves at an alarming speed, the electric van market tends to move more slowly, meaning there is a lot of choice for car drivers, but where does that leave LCV operators and fleet managers? The electric car market is more mature than the electric van market, but both are experiencing growth.
According to the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), the number of new light commercial vehicles joining UK roads has increased by 3% to 351,834 units in 2024 from 2023. Meanwhile, the electric van sector rose by 3.3% to 22,155 units, giving them a 6.3% market share, the same as 2023. Since last year, UK operators have had 33 different zero-emission van models to choose from.
There are a large number of LCV market entrants, notably from South Korea and China. Here’s a selection.
Kia
Forget everything you know about Kia, because the large Korean brand has evolved. Around 2020, Kia soared after releasing revised variants of older models, before launching cars such as the EV6. Likewise, its new cars are not only winning awards but are also rivalling serious vehicles from more expensive brands. And recently, it teased its first electric van, the PV5.
Thankfully, the PV5’s styling lives up to its futuristic name, with its large LED headlights, smoothed bodywork and minimalistic interior. Great stuff, but what about its capabilities? The PV5 is available in three commercial body types: Cargo, Crew and Chassis Cab. The Cargo kicks off the range and is priced from £27,645 (+ VAT). It’s offered with either a 51.5kWh or a Long Range 71.2kWh battery; the former is claimed to deliver 184 miles, while the latter is said to return 258 miles.
The L2H1 Cargo has a 4.4m3 load volume and a maximum payload of 790kg, but choosing the Long Range reduces this to 690kg. If the L2H1 is too large, there’s a shorter L1H1 with a 4.0m3 load volume, while the larger L2H2 offers a 5.1m3 cargo volume. The Cargo will feature a split rear ‘barn’ door and a single sliding side door.
The Crew is only available in L2H1 form and with a 174-mile 51.5kWh battery. Its payload is rated at 605kg and has a flexible cargo area, delivering between 2.4 and 3.7m3. Finally, to the Chassis Cab, which is available with both battery options and can be ordered with factory-built conversions thanks to Kia’s new Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea.
All vans have a generous standard equipment list, which includes automatic headlights, heated door mirrors, console storage, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB-C charging ports and a seven-year warranty. Charging from 10 to 80% via a 150kW charger takes around 30 minutes, while AC charging at 7kW takes seven to 10 hours.
“Since last year, UK operators have had 33 different zero-emission van models to choose from”
Farizon
Hailing from China, Farizon is also dipping its toes into UK electrified waters. Founded in 2016, Farizon has launched its first electric van, known as the SV (which modestly stands for Supervan), into the UK market. Underneath, the SV uses an interesting battery-electric architecture, which could see it spawn a selection of body styles.
As with the Kia, the SV is offered with a decent standard tech list including heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, heaps of ADAS safety systems and a 360-degree camera. It boasts a five-star safety rating and fleet managers can choose from three battery packs: 67kWh, 83kWh and 106kWh, delivering ranges of up to 247 miles.
The van is offered in three lengths: L1 (4,990mm), L2 (5,490mm) and L3 (5,995mm), and three heights: H1 (1,980mm), H2 (2,180mm) and H3 (2,500mm). It’s priced from £45,000.
Farizon is working hard to expand its dealer network, starting with a London retailer, located on the A406 North Circular near the Hangar Lane Gyratory. Similarly, the SV is currently being tested by large fleets and leasing companies. Farizon also claims to be working with various specialist outfitting partners, although the van is outfitting-ready if the fleet manager wishes to source an independent company. SV order books opened in February.
Skywell
The Skywell 233 is another Chinese entrant and is due to go on sale before the end of 2025. The 233 is a larger van with a maximum payload of 1,755kg. It will be offered in two body lengths (5,490mm and 5,990mm) and with two roof height options (2,200mm and 2,700mm), meaning a load volume of between 9.5 and 13m3.
Buyers can expect a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a 15.6-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless phone charging and keyless entry as standard. It will also feature safety systems including intelligent cruise assist, autonomous braking, lane keep assist and speed assist. Although electric range and charging figures are not yet confirmed, we do know that it will be offered with 88kWh and 105kWh batteries, and power (150kW/204hp/370Nm) comes from a single electric motor.
Renault and Flexis
France is also sending a few electric vans our way. Flexis, a joint venture between Renault, Volvo Trucks and CMA GCM, is to develop a range of fully electric and fully customisable electric vans designed for cities. The vans, which have already been designed, will consist of three models: Step-in, Cargo and Panel vans. Each will feature a low floor to ease loading and unloading and the claimed charging time for 10 to 80% is under 20 minutes. The company says up to 279 miles are possible on a single charge.
The Step-in van (medium van segment) will feature sliding doors, a rear shutter door and a 1.90m height clearance, allowing drivers to walk upright throughout the vehicle. The Cargo van will be available in different widths and heights and will be easily convertible according to Flexis. Details are scarce about the Panel van and all we’ve been told is that it will have an overall height of 1.9m.
Last-mile delivery companies don’t have many options currently, but Renault is due to open its UK Bento and Duo order books soon. The Bento and Duo are classed as quadricycles and are designed to rival the Citroën Ami Cargo. They are just 2.43m long and 1.3m wide, meaning they’ll easily zip through city streets. They also have a 6.8m turning circle, and although they don’t have a passenger seat, there is a 649-litre cargo box.
Renault claims the Bento will return up to 95 miles on a single charge, while the Duo will deliver up to 100 miles. Not massive by today’s standards, but these are city vehicles with a 10.3kWh battery. For recharging, the Duo features a standard plug, meaning 20 to 80% is managed in three hours and 50 minutes. Buyers can also opt for a Type 2 socket, which reduces this time to three hours and 25 minutes.
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Citroën
Lastly, there’s the Citroën e-C3 van, priced from £17,535. Based on the e-C3 car, the e-C3 van has a full-height bulkhead instead of rear seats, which can hold up to 1,220 litres and a payload of 302kg. Like the passenger car version, it features a 43.7kWh battery, which is claimed to return 200 miles per charge. It’ll also manage the 20 to 80% charge in just 26 minutes and has an onboard 7.4kW charger with 100kW fast charge capability.
