LEVC has revealed that its forthcoming range-extender hybrid van will be called VN5 as it also announces payload and load space specifications.

The newly named LEVC VN5 range-extender van is due Q4 2020

Due Q4 2020 and already being built in prototype form, the van is being positioned as a cleaner alternative to one-tonne medium-sized diesel vans for ‘distribution-to-door’ – not just last-mile – services, providing the critical link between out-of-town depots and city centres.

Revealed last autumn at a European debut event in Frankfurt, the van will carry the newly revealed VN5 moniker to fit in with LEVC’s overall product naming strategy. As with TX for taxi, VN is chosen for van and ‘5’ to represent the volume of the cargo area, 5m3.

LEVC CEO Joerg Hofmann said: “Our new VN5 further signifies our transformation from the iconic British taxi brand to leading electric commercial vehicle manufacturer. VN5 is a purpose-built zero emission capable electric light van that offers class leading running costs, flexible zero emissions capable range and unrivalled durability. Following our success with TX in the taxi market, VN5 is now set to revolutionise green logistics.”

LEVC has also revealed that the VN5, which features the same e-City range-extending technology as the TX taxi, will have a gross payload of more than 800kg and will be able to easily accommodate two Euro-sized pallets, which can be side-loaded or there’s a 60/40 split door at the rear.

Its hybrid powertrain will bring a pure EV range of 63 miles (102km) and a total range of 301 miles (485km); based on a real-world 47-mile (75km) delivery route into central London, LEVC said the VN5 can make approximately twice the amount of journeys and deliveries as its segment competitors. Multiple charger types will be supported and a full charge using a 50kW charger will take from as little as 30 minutes.

It’ll also boast 25,000-mile service intervals, further keeping downtime to a minimum for operators, while the warranty is said to be class-leading.

Full production of VN5 will commence at LEVC’s Coventry factory in Q4 this year with volume expected to take up 70% of the annual 20,000-unit production capacity.