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Fiat Professional E-Ducato
Ducato is taking its expertise to the field of electric mobility with the largest 100% electric body styles available in its segment. To keep pace with an ever-changing transportation and mobility sector, Fiat Professional has carefully studied 4,000 connected vehicles and more than 50 million kilometres travelled to find which models can benefit from an electric powertrain.
From the highly efficient Panel van to the versatile Cab and spacious People Mover, there are over 80 different configurations to choose from, equipped with a powerful electric motor and automatic transmission. These vehicles carry the 40-year Ducato tradition of durability and flexibility, while setting a new standard for electric capability. With 47kWh or 79kWh battery options, the E-Ducato offers a substantial driving range of up to 146 and up to 230 miles (WLTP City) respectively and a full charging time of just over two hours. Additionally, with the 50kW DC rapid charger, both battery options can be charged to 80% capacity in only 30 minutes, enabling customers to get back on the road as quickly as possible, enhancing business efficiency and fleet utility.
E-Ducato offers a host of additional comforts with smart features such as the ability to precondition the vehicle to decrease the air conditioning’s impact on the battery, and schedule daily charging to take advantage of lower energy costs. Additionally, the driver can choose the appropriate drive mode to meet their journey requirements, saving travelling range by optimising performances.
The judges said: “It stood out as a really viable alternative to diesel, with great range and impressive payload.”
MAXUS e DELIVER 9
Despite the challenges faced in 2020, it was a historic year for MAXUS, which not only rebranded from its original LDV moniker in April, but also launched two brand-new electric commercial vehicles: the e DELIVER 3 and the e DELIVER 9.
The awards submission focuses on the e DELIVER 9, a large all-new platform electric vehicle. This zero-emission vehicle comes in two size options and offers a range up to 219 miles on a single charge and operating with a high power 150KW low energy motor. The vehicle offers three battery options – 51.5Kwh, 72Kwh and 88.55Kwh (LH) with various battery cooling methods which reduce charging time (DC can charge from 5% to 80% in 45 minutes), as well as extending battery life and increasing the operating range. The new model will be rated at 3,500kg and optional 4,050kg with payloads of up to 1,700kg (51.5kWh battery). With a 203ps/350Nm electric motor, the latest model from the MAXUS stable packs a lot of punch.
MAXUS offers a number of variants in the e DELIVER 9 range including crew cab, chassis and minibus models, while a network of specialist converters can also create a bespoke van to cater for all driver and business needs including mobility, refrigeration and specialist cargo. A touch-screen-enabled infotainment system (optional in conventional models and standard in luxury models) means that drivers can stay safely connected while on the road, while Apple Car Play and Android Auto ensure drivers have everything they need at their fingertips.
The judges said: “A very capable product with good range and impressive payload. Entry showed strong dealer network support for operators.”
Stellantis: Citroën e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e
Stellantis entered a joint submission for its three all-electric vans based on the same EMP2 multi-energy platform: Citroën e-Dispatch, Peugeot e-Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro-e. Payloads are up to 1,226kg, with the capacity to tow up to one tonne. And with a 6.6cu m maximum load volume, the vans suit the needs of most business and private users and are crucially exempt from current congestion and Ultra-Low Emission Zone charges.
Each van is available with 50kWh or 75kWh battery options. Capable of up to 205 miles from a single charge, all three vans support up to 100kW rapid charging with an 80% charge taking 30 minutes for 50kWh models and 45 minutes for 75kWh variants. Stellantis says the vans have been well received since going on sale last year with 7,500 sold across Europe. A significant amount have been sold to UK customers including 2,000 to Centrica and 270 to BT Openreach.
In addition to the current all-electric line-up, Stellantis plans to launch hydrogen fuel cell versions of Dispatch, Expert and Vivaro in the UK from 2022. All three brands are actively speaking to business customers with the promise of no compromise on payload, ultra-quick three-minute charges and circa 249 mile range.
The judges said: “A very reliable, robust product," adding that the soon-to-be-launched fuel cell variant offered operators a choice in zero-emission models.