Electric van opens up a new segment for EV fleet users, reports Cathy Parker.
LDV have an opportunity to steal a bit of a march on the market with the first and currently only large electric van available new in New Zealand. The only other EV van is the compact Renault Kangoo. Company vehicle had the chance to try a pre-production model for a couple of days in typical round Auckland conditions, the only significant difference to the production model is the lack of an AC charger which will be included on the production model to allow at work or at home charging with the option of DC fast charging when away from base or needing a quick top-up.
With 100km plus range whilst carrying a reasonable load the EV80 will fulfil most companies needs for round town deliveries. If anything it is easier to drive than the diesel (No gear changing needed) and whilst the nominal power and torque match the diesel version (100kW and 320Nm of torque) the fact that the electric motor delivers that torque from zero rpm means you can have some fun dragging cars off at the lights if you get bored. Once underway the acceleration is fairly van standard style but the EV makes the power delivery seamless.
Starting and driving is fairly simple – although slightly more complex than some EV’s. You have a standard key which you need to turn fully to “start” the van, select drive and the electric park brake releases automatically – although if you want to reverse you need to manually unset the park brake – press the accelerator and move off.
Apart from that it just feels like driving a diesel LDV van. You sit high with great visibility and the ride and handling are surprisingly good. Specification levels and creature comforts are a bit less than some more modern vans (Including LDV’s smaller G10), you get electric windows and air conditioning but no Bluetooth phone functionality or reversing camera.
The EV80 is based on the standard V80 Bigger model (In LDV’s Big, Bigger and Biggest line-up!) The batteries all fit under the van floor – this somewhat lowers the ground clearance but didn’t seem to be an issue with speed bumps and driveways during the test. The added weight does drop the load carrying ability from 1400kg for the equivalent diesel model to 1000kg, but you retain the full 10.4 m3 load space. The EV80 only comes in single sliding side door configuration vs double doors for diesel models but does gain nifty open flat hinges for the rear doors allowing them to fold right back against the outside – something not available on diesels. The EV80 can also be had in cab chassis configuration – ideal for a bespoke body or EV campervan and a locally fitted out 10-seater minibus option.
With a price virtually double the equivalent diesel it is hard to justify in terms of fuel cost savings but when you add the enhanced company sustainability image and the need many companies have to run a certain percentage of EV’s the EV80 will likely sell well and LDV have a head start on the competition.
