Iveco, ePower Trucks and Mercedes launch new electric vans
Wed 18 August 2010
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Three manufacturers have launched new electric van models in the last month. Iveco has introduced the EcoDaily Electric van and chassis cab while UK-based ePower Trucks has launched a new 3.5t electric van, the XT320E. Mercedes has also introduced its Vito E-Cell van which is says is the first ex-factory battery electric van. Meanwhile, Iveco reports that interest in its Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle Standards (EEV) is growing.
Iveco says that its EcoDaily Electric van is ideally suited to short-distance journeys and door-to-door deliveries in an urban environment. It qualifies for a 100 per cent discount from London’s Congestion Charge. Real-life trials have shown the vehicles to have an effective range of between 55 and 80 miles, depending on the number of batteries specified and the vehicle’s application. EcoDaily Electric can be driven just like a conventional vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission, using a gear lever to select forward, neutral or reverse.
ePower Trucks says that its new 3.5t electric van delivers whole life cost savings as well as environmental benefits. At £30,000, the XT320E costs significantly less than other 3.5t electric vans. With a standard battery pack it can carry a one tonne payload for 60 miles on a full charge. A double battery pack gives 120-mile range with 670kg payload. ePower says the two pence a mile energy cost means the van can pay for itself in 3.5 years compared to a diesel-powered 3.5 tonner.
Mercedes-Benz says it believes its Vito E-Cell is the first ex-factory battery-electric van. The new van has a 130km range and is "ideally suitable for inner-city operations" and in environmentally sensitive areas. Neither payload weight nor cube are cut by the emission-free drive line and batteries and the vehicle is virtually silent to run. The firm says it is building a 100-strong batch and plans to make 2,000 more from 2011. Mercedes says subsidies and tax breaks in many countries mean that the Vito E-Cell is "considerably" cheaper to run than a diesel Vito. The firm also says that diesel fuel is up to seven times more costly than off-peak electricity.
Meanwhile, Iveco reports that interest in Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle standards is growing. The firm says that since February last year, when it was the first truck maker to offer Euro 5 and EEV standards across its full truck range up to 500 hp, more operators are asking for vehicles with stricter than minimum emission standards.
That growing interest in EEV and similar standards is connected to the growth in subsidies for vehicles with emissions performance ahead of the minimum standards and potential for better residual values that they may offer.
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