SAIC Mobility Europe, a division of Chinese vehicle manufacturer SAIC, has started deliveries of its zero-emission Maxus EV80 vans in Europe ahead of the brand’s full launch in 2019.

Maxus EV80 electric vans being delivered

Initial EV80 deliveries are taking place in Austria and Germany, including German leasing firm Maske Fleet which recently delivered a fleet of the vans to a Hamburg-based courier service, and Maxus is establishing partnerships with large organisations and major fleet operators ahead of its full Europe-wide launch next year.

Developments in Benelux, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, France and Spain are also due to be revealed shortly in line with the firm’s Europe-wide growth plans.

In total, the Maxus brand is targeting more than 200 fleet operators across Europe while future SAIC Mobility Europe activities will see the introduction of a range of SAIC brands, products and services in the coming years.

Maxus EV80 – RA Doors open

Available as a panel van and a chassis cab, the EV80 vans have a range up to 200km and a charging time of two hours. The panel van features a cargo area length of 3,300 mm, width of 1,770 mm and height of 1,710 mm, resulting in a total volume of 10.2 m3, accessible through wide-opening rear and side doors. The maximum payload capacity is 950kg. The chassis cab offers a maximum towing mass of 750kg. Depending on variant, standard kit includes rear parking sensors, air conditioning and heated, electrically adjustable side mirrors.

Pieter Gabriëls, managing director of SAIC Mobility Europe, said: “With up to 200km real-life range, zero exhaust emissions and short charging time the Maxus EV80 is an ideal solution for businesses operating in urban environments. We are analysing real-world performance data to demonstrate how businesses can successfully integrate fully electric large van into their fleets, as we ramp up deliveries and fully launch the brand across Europe in 2019.”

The van is also available for the UK market, branded as the LDV EV80.