Maxus launches 7.5-tonne electric truck onto UK market

Adding to its existing range of electric vans, the eDeliver 75 will have a theoretical range of more than 150 miles and compete in a growing 7.5 tonne segment which has already seen new entrants from Rightech and Yutong.

Power comes from a 150kW electric motor with a peak maximum torque of 440Nm. The claimed WLTP range for the Chinese-made is a claimed 155 miles based off an expected consumption rate of 43 to 57kWh per 100km. The light truck will support both AC and DC charging with speeds of up to 120kW using a rapid DC supply where a 20% to 80% charge will take around 30 minutes. AC charging is supported at both 22kW and 11kW with a 5% to 100% charge said to take 11hrs and 6.8hrs, respectively.

There’s also a Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) power supply of 6.6kW to enable equipment to be run off the vehicle’s battery.

The eDeliver 75 chassis cab will be available in two lengths with a 120kW battery pack supplied by CATL and two ePTO options of 15kW or 100kW. Unbodied, it has a kerb weight of 3010kg, leaving a payload allowance of 4480kg with a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and gross train weight of 11 tonnes.

Standard equipment will include the expected suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in order to meet the next generation of GSR requirements, with Lane Departure Warning, Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, a Blind Spot Information System, a Driver Fatigue Monitor, and an Alcohol Interface Preparation. The vehicle also has a Traffic Sign Recognition system with speed limit detection. Additional equipment for added driver comfort includes cruise control, a heated multi-function steering wheel and keyless start.

There’s also a 360-degree camera with reversing sensors, which will display through a 12.3in touchscreen which is capable of smartphone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The eDeliver 75 will be supported by a five-year warranty and five years of roadside assistance, while the battery is supported by an eight-year warranty.

More than 26,000 Maxus products are currently operational in the UK, with sales volumes for the light commercial vehicle range, Mifa car models and pick-up trucks currently amounting to 7,000 units in 2024. Maxus hopes to grow their volumes to reach 10,000 in the coming years.

The new truck launch will be supported by the majority of its current network of dealers which is scheduled to increase to 91 dealerships by 1 October. The number of fleet vehicle maintenance units will also increase from the 13 currently in operation to support truck customers as well as those of the new Higer bus model that will also be introduced next year with a nationwide network of Harris Bus & Coach dealers.

Maxus will also increase its parts holding, adding to the £14.9m in stock it currently keeps. A total of 207,439 items were said to have been picked in 2024 with a 97.2% first time pick rate. There will also be an expansion of their training programmes with in-house Level 3 & 4 EV and Master tech training certification, at the Harris Training Academy in Dublin, as well as a dedicated centralised Vehicle Off Road (VOR) team for reducing VOR parts lead time.

In addition, Harris Group plans to enter the UK heavy-duty truck market by 2028, launching a new brand to the market with a focus on ICE, electric, and hydrogen trucks. The models will cover all weight ranges with rigid and tractor unit models. Harris Maxus had previously shared their intentions to bring an electric tractor unit to market by next year, however, the new products are thought to be from an entirely different brand to the SAIC-made 7.5-tonne truck being launched now.

A pre-production version of the Maxus eDeliver 75 will be used with various operators as a proof-of-concept demonstrator once it is bodied, with Maxus looking to target the parcel and home delivery networks as its customer base. Production vehicles will be available early next year when prices are expected to be around £70,000 for the entry-level model with 120kW battery. Depending on operator feedback there is the possibility that a larger battery size option will be added to the range in future.