LEVC’s VN5 range-extender electric van is now on sale, bringing an electric-only range of 58 miles (93km) and a total range of 300 miles (484 km).

The LEVC VN5 starts deliveries in Q4 2020

Starting first deliveries in Q4 from the company’s UK site in Ansty, Coventry, the 2.9-tonne van uses the e-City range-extender technology already been seen in LEVC’s TX taxi and currently on trial with fleets including Royal Mail. It’s being positioned as a cleaner alternative to diesel vans for ‘distribution-to-door’ – not just last-mile – services.

It offers up to 5.5m3 capacity and can accommodate two Euro-sized pallets with a gross payload of 830kg, while its large side-loading door and 60/40 split door at the rear enabling loading and unloading. It also provides a turning circle of 10.1m, said to be class leading.

Three trims are available – Business, City and Ultima; all intended to offer a high level of standard equipment. Equipment across the range includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), front and side driver and passenger airbags, cruise control, 9-inch touchscreen and dual zone climate control. The 50kW DC charging capability enables a zero to 100% charge in 30 minutes while it also comes with a minimum 11kW AC fast charging capability.

The City trim adds a heated windscreen, front and rear parking sensors, curtain airbags and Lane Departure Warning, while the flagship Ultima features a rear-view camera, upgraded seats, metallic paint and 22kW AC charging capability as standard.

Six option packs are on offer, enabling operators to add in extra features such as comfort or safety, while accessories at launch including seat covers, mats and handheld device holders can be individually specified.

LEVC has also worked in partnership with a number of Europe’s top convertors to ensure the VN5 can be equipped with racking, roof racks, light bars and other bespoke modifications required by customers in this sector.

LEVC says the VN5 has been designed to last twice as long as the competition, thanks to its first in sector strong and lightweight bonded aluminium monocoque and SMC construction. This technology is resistant to corrosion and absorbs twice the crash energy of mild steel. In addition, VN5 features SMC panels which are resistant to dents and which shrug off minor impacts and help to keep the vehicle on the road.

It also comes with 25,000-mile service intervals to reduce downtime while LEVC promises low operating costs, with electricity for a full charge costing less than £2 on a low-cost electric vehicle tariff, and fuelling costs that could be as low as £2 ppm versus 11ppm for diesel equivalents. Additionally, the VN5 is exempt from the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge in London and will benefit from exemption in Clean Air Zones where applicable.

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.

Joerg Hofmann, CEO, 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.”​

VN5 deliveries will start in RHD form in Q4, with LHD models available from March 2021.