London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has announced the start of production of its new plug-in hybrid range-extended van.
The VN5 is built on the same platform, and features the same eCity technology, as LEVC’s plug-in hybrid range-extended taxi but with a new cargo area of 5.5m³.
The van will be able to achieve an electric-only range of 60 miles and a combined range of 300 miles when the 147hp electric motor is used with the VN5’s 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Featuring a side-loading door and a 60/40 split rear door, the VN5 can accommodate two Euro sized pallets and has a gross payload of up to 830kg.
LEVC said it is targeting the one-tonne van sector and predicted the hybrid-electric van to account for around 70% of production volume by 2022.
Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC, said: “The VN5 sets new green mobility standards in the industry and establishes a new and highly desirable electric van segment.”
The project has received funding from the UK government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which supported design, development and testing of the VN5, including a 32-month prototype testing programme.
The new model is designed, engineered and manufactured at LEVC’s production plant in Ansty, Coventry, which is claimed to be the UK’s only dedicated EV factory.
UK business and industry minister, Nadhim Zahawi, said: “This is a real boost for manufacturing in the West Midlands and for delivery companies looking to improve their green footprint, driving us towards a future of greener travel both at home and abroad.”
According to LEVC, the VN5 will be sold in more than 50 locations in the UK, with the first vehicles delivered to UK customers by the end of the year.
Since 2014, Chinese automotive manufacturer Geely has invested more than £500m into LEVC, enabling it to build its UK manufacturing facility and develop its two product lines.
