New Market Analysis: Large Vans

Date: Monday, October 17, 2022 | Author: James Dallas

Electric vans dominate the new product arriving in a sector that has finally returned to growth.

There was a welcome return to growth in September as new LCV sales increased by 10.8% overall compared with the same month in 2021, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), to register the first monthly uplift this year.

As ever, the crucial 2.5 to 3.5t sector, containing medium and large vans, led the way with 25,787 registrations, a year-on-year rise of 14%, and a total that represented three-quarters of the whole market. Four large vans featured in the list of the top ten-selling LCVs in September, the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter and Peugeot Boxer.

Electric vans continue to dominate new product news: Iveco took the wraps off its new e-Daily at the IAA Transportation commercial vehicle show in Hanover in September. The manufacturer claims the electric van will offer comparable body variants, load-carrying capability and performance to the diesel van, which is renowned for its toughness and reliability. The e-Daily can be specified with one to three 37kWh batteries with ranges expected to vary from 75 to 250 miles.

Available with gross vehicle weights of from 3.5 to 7.2t, Iveco claims the e-Daily will offer load space of up to 20m³.

Fiat Professional has extended the warranty on its large electric van, the E-Ducato. It is now offering a five-year warranty, roadside assistance and service package as standard. The warranty involves the regular three years, plus an extra two, or up to 125,000 miles, whichever comes first. The roadside assistance is a 24/7 offering, while the free servicing is either every 30,000 miles or once every two years. Fiat claims the scheme will save operators an estimated £1,392 per van over the course of five years.

Ford has made its E-Transit electric vans available for flexible leasing through Ford Fleet Management. The company, set up by Ford and ALD Automotive, says it has more than 200 E-Transits on order, and that they offer a way for fleets to assess the suitability of electric vans for their operations. The flexible leasing offer allows vans to be taken for up to three years, without being tied into a long-term contract and with no standard early termination fees.

Renault has upgraded its Master E-Tech with a larger, 52kWh battery, allowing a range of up to 126 miles between charges under official WLTP testing. A 20-80% charge is possible
in five hours using a 7kW wallbox, while the same charge with a 22kW DC charger takes 90 minutes. Power is from a 76hp motor, and top speed is limited to 55mph. The Master E-Tech is available with panel van, chassis cab and platform cab bodystyles – the former with the Advance trim level, and the latter two with the entry-level start spec. An order of 40 new MAN TGE large vans has joined the fleet of hire company Wrights of Northampton. The consignment of 10 chassis cab and 30 panel van models takes the total number of vehicles on the Wrights fleet to 145, including 100 MAN products. The chassis cab vehicles – four of which are lower chassis cowl variants – have been converted with Luton bodies by JC Paine and Commercial Vehicle Bodies.

Calendar

E-Transits join Ford Fleet Management August 2022

Renault Master E-Tech September 2022

Iveco e-Daily December 2022

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