Electric drive overcomes emissions hurdles and opens door to Chinese and Korean manufacturers
The world of commercial vehicles, like that of cars, has suffered greatly in recent years from the inroads made into European markets by eastern brands, especially the Chinese, but also the large Korean groups, which previously concentrated on local or American markets and now, with the possibilities offered by electrification, have found it easy to produce vehicles more suited to our needs.
As we have already said, electric drive plays a leading role in all the models that should be on our roads this year, and it could not be otherwise, given the European emission restrictions that make it very difficult for ‘foreign’ brands to adapt endothermic engines.
The IAA Transportation 2004 in Hanover was a great showcase for all the innovations in this sector, but in general last year was a foretaste of what we will probably be driving in 2025.
Kia PV5 | BYD E-Vali | Iveco eMoovy | Farizon SV | Maxus eDeliver5 | B-ON Pelkan | I Pick-up
One of the most eagerly awaited vans of 2025 is Kia’s Modular. First previewed in the US and then shown as a concept in Hanover, the PV5 will be the first of the series to arrive in Europe. Production will begin in the summer of 2025 and, like the company’s cars, will be offered with a 7-year/150,000 km warranty. With a length of 4.65 metres, the PV5 is a modular van with a fixed front and passenger compartment, while the rear section can be configured in a number of ways and is attached to the chassis by a system of hydraulic and electromagnetic connections.
Kia PBV concepts at the IAA in Hanover
The traction battery is nickel-manganese-cobalt and promises a range of around 250 miles, but the company is also working on an LFP (lithium ferrophosphate) battery to keep list costs down (not yet announced). Charging speeds of up to 150 kW DC and 22 kW AC are also high, with the ability to go from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
BYD is also launching its European offensive in the light commercial vehicle sector with the E-Vali, a van that is also 100% electric and was also presented at the last IAA Transportation exhibition. According to the company, it should arrive in Europe in 2025 with a range of 155 miles in the WLTP cycle. The basic version is 6 m long, 2.09 m wide, 2.78 m high and has a wheelbase of 3.87 m.
BYD E-Vali
The largest versions are up to 7 metres long. The cargo area can be customised, while the interior is in the style of the Chinese brand’s cars. Two power ratings have been announced, 136 PS and 204 PS, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive respectively, with a top speed of 55 mph for the former and 75 mph for the latter.
BYD E-Vali
In both cases the battery is 80.64 kWh and can be recharged up to 22 kW in AC and 188 kW in DC. The weight is 3.5t for the more compact model and 4.25t for the long wheelbase version (always driven with a B licence), while the load capacity increases from 700 kg to 1,450 kg depending on the model chosen.
Even if it is not a ‘pure’ entry, the collaboration between the historic Italian brand and Hyundai is noteworthy, as Korean know-how is almost exploited to create an electric van that extends Iveco’s range downwards. The Iveco eMoovy is essentially based on the mechanics of the Hyundai Staria. The eMoovy’s particularly robust body structure is designed to protect the driver, cargo and batteries.
Iveco eMoovy (2024)
The chassis fits a wide range of body styles and allows payloads of up to 1.5 t to be transported. It is designed with a low floor to optimise available space and load versatility, offering a payload capacity of up to 10 cubic metres. The 160 kW (215 hp) electric motor delivers a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The eMoovy is available with a choice of two battery packs of 76 kWh and 63 kWh, providing a range of up to 320 km in the WLTP cycle with the 76 kWh battery, with fast charging up to 350 kW the vehicle adds a range of up to 100 km in less than 10 minutes.
The chassis fits a wide range of body types and can carry payloads of up to 1.5 tonnes. It is designed with a low floor to optimise space and load versatility, and offers a payload capacity of up to 10 cubic metres. The 215 PS electric motor delivers a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The eMoovy is available with a choice of two battery packs, 76 kWh and 63 kWh. The 76 kWh battery provides a range of up to 200 miles in the WLTP cycle, while the 350 kW fast charge gives the vehicle a range of up to 62 miles in less than 10 minutes.
Chinese manufacturer Geely has brought the Farizon SV to the UK market in partnership with Jameel Motors. The first batch is planned for 2025 and will be ‘smart’, environmentally friendly vehicles equipped with the latest technology. It is no coincidence that the Farizon SV scored top marks in the latest EuroNCAP test. The SV gets the most out of its battery thanks to ‘cell-to-pack’ technology, which increases its capacity by 10 per cent in the same space, making the car lighter and the chassis stiffer.
Farizon SV electric van
The vehicle is also equipped with a dual-redundant drive-by-wire system. In other words, it brakes faster, steers more accurately and has a better range, all while carrying heavier loads. The Farizon SV is available in three lengths, three heights and two battery sizes (67 kWh and 83 kWh). A more powerful 106 kWh option will be added later. Pricing and specifications have not yet been announced, but we do know that the partnership is planning to expand to markets other than the UK.
Maxus, a brand of the SAIC Motors Group, has also achieved discreet results so far, which it hopes to improve with the new eDeliver 5, which it is presenting as an Italian premiere at Transpotec 2024. This is an electric van with some unique features.
Maxus eDeliver 5
These include a simple and compact exterior design and a load compartment with an interior volume of 6.6 to 7.6 cubic metres and a load capacity of up to 1,200 kg. Equipped with three seats in the cab and a double sliding side door, it is powered by an electric motor of unspecified power, but which the manufacturer claims can deliver around 20% more power than its competitors.
Among the new vans vying for a place on European roads, the Pelkan B-ON must be mentioned. Based on the Streetscooter platform (in collaboration with Chery), it combines attractive design with advanced functionality. The lightweight aluminium body saves 200 kg, while the interior offers ergonomics and full connectivity with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over-the-air updates.
B-OO Pelkan 2025 – Cargo compartment
It is available in two versions, Pelkan 43 and Pelkan 54, with a range of 140 miles and 173 miles respectively and a payload of up to 1,350 kg. The 7.1-cubic-metre cargo space is optimised for efficiency, with wide-opening rear doors and a non-slip floor. Floor-mounted batteries provide superior driving dynamics, while regenerative braking maximises range.
B-ON Pelkan
The innovative B-ON Smart Dispenser system simplifies the work of couriers with rotating shelves and integrated GPS, reducing errors and delivery times. The advanced B-ON Connect software optimises fleet management by analysing consumption and performance. Scalable energy storage units (EES) reduce costs, integrate renewable energy and optimise the ecological footprint. Interesting when confirmed from 34,000 euro plus VAT.
The innovative B-ON Smart Dispenser system simplifies the work of couriers with rotating shelves and integrated GPS, reducing errors and delivery times. Advanced B-ON Connect software optimises fleet management by analysing consumption and performance. Scalable energy storage units (EES) reduce costs, integrate renewable energy and optimise the environmental footprint. Interesting when confirmed from €34,000 (£28,600) plus VAT.
BYD Shark
A separate mention must be made of the pick-up trucks. The Chinese-Korean mix is also confirmed here, although not all of the new models will make it to Europe, and electric versions are a minority. BYD has launched the Shark in this segment, and it is not clear whether it intends to market it here. The same goes for Kia, which has made its debut in the segment with the Tasman, but which has not been officially announced for the West.
Foton Tunland V9 (2025)
Combustion engines for the Foton Tunland V9. After the small success of the Tunland G7, the Chinese brand relaunches with a bigger and more functional off-roader. At the last IAA, Maxus unveiled the eTerron 9, a fully electric pick-up that will also be available in 2025.
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