London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has announced the full details of its plug-in hybrid VN5 van, which will hit the roads later this year.
The VN5 uses the same range-extender powertrain as featured in the LEVC TX taxi. It boasts an electric range of over 58 miles and a total range of over 300 miles, according to LEVC.
In terms of capacity, it has up to 5.5m3 so it can accommodate two Euro sized pallets, with a gross payload of 830kg. A large side-loading door means a pallet can be side-loaded, and a 60/40 split door at the rear makes loading and unloading easy for the driver. In addition, it has a turning circle of just over ten metres.
The VN5 shares the same styling as LEVC’s TX taxi; the front end is the same, as is the cabin. It has a lightweight bonded aluminium monocoque and SMC construction – LEVC claims that the aluminium makes it resistant to corrosion and absorbs twice the crash energy of mild steel, while the SMC panels are resistant to dents and minor impacts.
Other energy saving features include LED headlamps as standard, which convert 80% of the power into light versus a typical 20% for a halogen lamp. These are brighter, longer lasting and are four times more efficient than conventional halogen lamps.
Inside, the cabin has an ergonomically designed and fully adjustable seat and the steering wheel can also be adjusted for reach and rake.
The settings are accessed via a large central touchscreen with intuitive interface, while bright LED lighting clearly illuminates other key controls. Ample stowage in the doors, glovebox and central console are all designed to allow convenient access when needed.
There will be three VN5 variants on offer – Business, City and Ultima – although all models will feature Autonomous Emergency Braking, front and side driver and passenger airbags, cruise control, nine-inch touchscreen and dual zone climate control as standard as well as 50kW DC rapid charging and minimum 11kW AC fast charging capability.
City trim adds a heated windscreen, front and rear parking sensors, curtain airbags and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), while the flagship Ultima features a rear-view camera, luxury seats, metallic paint and 22kW AC charging capability as standard.
In addition, six option packs will be available, including the Comfort pack, which features luxury driver and passenger seats, satellite navigation, under-seat storage and a heated windscreen. Meanwhile, the Safety pack comes with Road Sign Information system, Speed Limit Intelligent Function, LDW and curtain airbags.
In addition, LEVC has worked with several convertors to ensure the VN5 can be equipped with racking, roof racks, light bars and other bespoke modifications required by customers. In addition, the vehicle will also be available with a range of accessories at launch including seat covers, mats and handheld devise holders to enable customers to personalise and protect their vehicles.
The VN5’s battery can be charged from 0 to 100% in 30 minutes thanks to its 50kW DC charging capability – as much time as it can take to unload. VN5’s long 25,000-mile service intervals mean time spent off the road is further minimised.
Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC said: “VN5 sets new green mobility standards in the industry and establishes a new and highly desirable electric van segment.
“We’ve applied our extensive knowledge from the taxi world to create a high quality, hard-working van with zero emissions and long-distance capability. As well as offering favourable operating benefits, VN5 fulfils the growing demand from both businesses and consumers for cleaner, more sustainable commercial vehicles.”
The VN5 comes with a five year/150,000-mile vehicle warranty and a battery warranty of eight years/150,000 miles. Customers can also opt for an extended warranty of six years/200,000 miles for the vehicle and eight years/200,000 miles for the battery.
It will be sold through LEVC’s international dealer network, which is set to have more than 50 locations in the UK by the end of this year.
The first deliveries of right-hand drive VN5s will commence in Q4 of this year, with left-hand drive models available from March 2021.
