BYD has showcased a line-up of fully electric LCVs and trucks, springboarding its plans to break into the European commercial fleet sector.
Unveiled at IAA Transportation in Hanover, the new models include the E-Vali electric LCV aimed at last-mile and courier delivery services.
The E-Transit rival will be available in 3.5-tonne and 4.25-tonne versions, and features the brand’s Blade Battery technology already used in its passenger cars. The 80.64kWh pack in the E-Vali will deliver a WLTP range of 220 to 250km (136-155 miles) and is set up for vehicle-to-load functionality, so external devices can be charged by the vehicle battery.
Its “substantial” cargo capacity is said to surpass many other vans in this category while BYD also promises excelling safety performance, durability and efficiency, and extended lifecycle.
Cargo volume capacity stands at 13.9m3 for the 3.5-tonne version and up to 17.9m3 for the 4.25-variant, with payloads of 700kg and 1,450kg respectively. A sliding side door enables loading and unloading, with wide opening hinged rear doors, as well as folding seats to maximise space.
Its 2.78m height enables the driver to stand upright to enter the van without the need for bending and a bulkhead separates the driver and passenger cabin from the main cargo area.
The cabin comes with a large touchscreen that can be viewed ‘split screen’ and the accompanying BYD App provides a host of features and remote functionality, for monitoring vehicle status.
The console integrates various functions such as mobile phone wireless charging and gear shift lever, saving space in the vehicle.
Ergonomically designed and electrically adjustable seats come as standard along with a multifunction steering wheel. The E-Vali also features a foldable table concealed with the centre console, an in-car refrigerator/cool box, cup holders and a variety of storage boxes and pockets, as well as various USB ports for wireless charging.
ADAS features included as standard deliver adaptive cruise control & intelligent cruise control, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure assist, blind spot detection, comfort stop, rollover control system, hill decent control, indirect driver fatigue management and hill hold control.
A company spokesperson said: “It is a practical and low-maintenance solution for eco-friendly commercial van fleets.”
Other vehicles showcased at IAA 2024 include the 7.5-tonne pure-electric ETM6 truck, which comes complete with BYD’s new design philosophy for eTrucks, a modern streamlined appearance and a “high-tech, high-calibre cab” for driver comfort.
It sits on the BYD ePlatform developed exclusively for eTrucks and has a range of up to 200km (124 miles) with a full load, with 120kW DC charging giving a 20% to 100% in one hour.
BYD’s IAA display also features the EYT 2.0 Electric Yard Tractor and the 19-tonne ETH8.
Michael Shu, managing director of BYD Europe, said: “BYD’s goal of cooling the earth by one degree is a vision that can only be achieved through a wide variety of applications. We’re delighted to show another part of this here at IAA, with a line-up of commercial vehicles, including new models that are tailored to Europe.
“We’re optimistic that the E-Vali and EYT 2.0 can make significant contributions to more sustainable solutions in areas as diverse as last-mile deliveries and major distribution hubs.”
