Image Credit: Charters Citroën
Previously, we’ve spoken about some of the most exciting EV prospects for 2024, including luxury cars, family SUVs, and high-performance sports saloons. However, driving isn’t always simply a pastime – for many, it’s a profession too. Last year, the number of vans, officially described as Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), on the road hit nearly 4.5 million.
With the international community moving towards net zero, it’s important that we embrace the potential of EVs for commercial as well as personal use. That’s why we’ve decided to take a look at some exciting new electric van releases that we think are set to have bright futures in the LCV world.
Kicking off our list of the new EV vans coming onto the market are three new models from Citroën – the E-Berlingo, E-Dispatch, and E-Relay.
This van prioritises driver comfort with Advanced Comfort seating, providing exceptional support during long commercial journeys. The E-Berlingo also boasts a 205-mile range, aided by regenerative braking technology. Charging options include a standard onboard charger and a faster three-phase charger, enabling uninterrupted operations.
The E-Dispatch builds on the Berlingo’s versatility. It offers increased load volume and range. The all-electric motor provides up to 217 miles of driving with interior configurations to cater to all needs, be it extended cabs or extra seating arrangements.
As the largest model in the lineup, the Relay is designed for heavy workloads. It features advanced parking radars with 360-degree sensors and a Drive Assist Pack for semi-autonomous driving – something that’s ideal for long or night-time drives. The E-Relay also benefits from the longest range at an impressive 261 miles.
Image Source: Charters Citroën
Equipped with two battery options - 40kWh and 87 kWh – the master E-Tech Electric is definitely one of the hottest new EV vans of 2024. It achieves unparalleled efficiency without compromising on capacity, size, or mass. Its innovative “Aerovan” design and optimised platform reduce power consumption by over 27% when compared to previous models, ensuring maximum power and range. This meant that, recently, it achieved a range of 286 miles!
Renault’s focus on aerodynamics and energy management is evident in every aspect of the Master E-Tech Electric. From its wind tunnel-tested silhouette to its dynamic braking system, every detail has been honed for efficiency and performance.
The van’s motor and transmission system delivers exceptional torque and towing capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of professional applications. Plus, with features like the V2X capabilities for vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid functionality, it’s as versatile as it is convenient.
Image Source: Renault
While the eSprinter isn’t strictly a new electric van release, this enhanced 2024 version has made leaps of progress since its older sibling came out in 2020. The older model, hampered by a short range of just 96 miles, is a distant memory when looking at this updated model. The physical attributes of the new eSprinter remain largely the same – a huge load compartment and spacious cab.
With a 100/150 kWh max output and as little as a 32-minute charging time (from fast-charging stations, of course), the experts at Mercedes-Benz have pulled out all the battery-focused stops.
The range has also been boosted as a result, from the limited sub-100 miles to a more than respectable 273 miles.
Image Source: FleetWorld
Taking their first step into the world of commercial vehicles, this new EV van from Toyota is set to come onto the market later in 2024. It’s designed to excel in storage capacity, load carrying, and towing capabilities with four diverse configurations to suit any requirements. It looks great, too, with its simple, modern design. This is complemented by the latest onboard equipment, such as driver assistance and Toyota Safety Sense.
A decent 205-mile range and 75kWh battery don’t detract from robust, consistent performance. In fact, Toyota is so confident in this that it offers comprehensive warranty packages with each purchase.
Image Source: Toyota
If you work in the fleet or LCV industry, then you’ll know the importance of keeping your finger on the pulse. At SG Fleet, we make sure we stay updated on the pulse of developments across the fleet industry. Whether it’s new EVs, AI and automation, or updates on specific manufacturers and market changes, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed of what’s going on.
These topics and more are covered in regular articles on our News page. Or, why not follow us on social media and join the conversation? We’re active on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter).
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