Light commercial vehicles are jumping on the electric bandwagon and many major manufacturers have already launched their own e versions
The move to electric energy has reached the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment with major manufacturers already boasting e-vehicles on the roads. They’re more committed than ever to doing away with thermal engines, even sooner than required by law.
These vehicles are mainly for urban and interurban use over short distances, which is why makers have focused their energies on delivering agility and acceleration rather than maximum speed (in accordance with legal limits).
The LCV market is aimed at independent professionals, the self-employed, small businesses and mid-size enterprises (SMEs). The latest designs have focused on providing improved load capacity and, in many cases, enhanced reliability, comfort, recharging speed and connectivity.
The Citroën ë-Berlingo is available in two sizes and in several models to suit different uses. It delivers 136hp (100kw) and its 50kw lithium-ion battery gives it a range of up to 280km. The Opel Combo-e Life matches these stats as well as having an improved regenerative braking system and fast recharging time, taking just minutes to reach a minimum of 80% charge. The Peugeot E-Partner adds good acceleration, 0-100 km/h in 11.2 seconds, three driving modes to manage battery charging and two braking modes to extend range. Fellow lion, the e-Rifter, roars in with all the above, plus seven seats.
The Nissan e-NV200 offers an agile and dynamic drive with 109hp, 4.2m3 of load capacity and up to 300km of urban driving range in combined B and Eco driving modes. Renault Kangoo E-TECH offers a two and four-seater option, 230km of range and electric technologies for energy recovery during deceleration and braking to optimise use. For a similar range of up to 285km, but boasting the quality and standards of Mercedes-Benz, look no further than the e-Citan.
The smallest commercial vehicle on the market is the nippy Toyota Yaris Electric Hybrid ECOVan. It offers 116hp, Eco label and N1 Van classification, plus 900 litres of volume and up to 430 kilos of load capacity.
