John Kendall gets behind the wheel of the latest large electric van, the Iveco eDaily.
Iveco launched the eDaily, the electric variant of the Daily van range, at the CV Show earlier this year. The offering for eDaily is quite simple; for every model in the comprehensive diesel-powered Daily range there is an eDaily. So, there is no selective offering of electric models, the eDaily will match the Daily range model for model.
That is quite an undertaking, given the breadth of the Daily range, spanning 3,500kg GVW to 7,200kg GVW, taking the van into HGV licence territory, unless the driver holds a UK car licence from before 1997, in which case they are permitted to drive vehicles up to 7,500kg GVW.
This distinction is particularly relevant for eDaily, which gains a new variant, the 42S model. Like other electric LCVs, the gross weight can be extended from 3,500kg GVW for car licence holders to 4,250kg to compensate for the weight of the batteries and electrical equipment. Post-1997 car licence holders can drive this model, needing just five hours of training with a specialised trainer, but the jury is still out on details such as whether a tachograph and driver’s card are needed.
To recap a few details on the eDaily, it is available with a modular battery pack, with up to three 37kWh modules available. This gives battery capacities of 37kWh, 74kWh or 111kWh, with wheelbase length determining how many modules a vehicle can be fitted with. Iveco has tested vehicle range at half payload for 3,500kg GVW models giving a WLTP combined range of up to 146 miles. Tested fully laden, 42S 4,250kg GVW models offer 68 miles with one module, 124 miles with two modules and 186 miles with three modules. 5,200kg GVW models offer 115 miles on two modules or 161 miles on three modules while 7,200kg GVW models can manage 74 miles on two modules or 111 miles on three modules.
Iveco offers the opportunity to add or remove battery modules throughout the life of the vehicle, (depending on wheelbase). The process takes around two hours. Iveco doesn’t offer battery refurbishment yet for unwanted batteries, but that may change.
The eDaily is offered with three regenerative modes, including one-pedal drive which provides maximum regeneration and a sailing mode to help minimise power consumption. In addition, there are three drive modes: Eco, Natural and Power. Iveco claims that eDaily is the only electric LCV with a 3,500kg towing capacity. Different rear axle ratios can be chosen depending on requirements. Iveco also offers three types of ePTO to power auxiliary equipment and the ePTO can be operated while the vehicle is on charge.
The eDaily has a great deal going for it. Firstly, there’s the wide range of models and weights and the modular battery. The regen drive modes make it very easy to drive in stop/start traffic, where the one-pedal drive will be a real bonus, helping to extend brake pad life too.
Even in the standard regenerative mode, it offers retardation similar to a diesel truck with an engine brake. It is like driving a quieter version of the Daily.
The model has been given some good CAP values, coming out ahead of its major 3,500kg GVW rivals. Pod Point has been appointed as its UK charging partner and the battery comes with an eight year/100,000-mile battery warranty for single module batteries, extended to 155,000 miles for two and three module versions. Customers ordering now can expect delivery in Q1 2024. Iveco offers a range of finance options too.
On the Road
We drove a box van-bodied 7,200kg GVW model with three battery modules equipped with rear air suspension and a 3,500kg GVW van with two modules. All driving took place at the Millbrook Proving Ground.
The first thing we noted was the slightly unusual starting procedure. You need to switch on and wait for a few seconds before twisting the key to drive off. After stopping and re-starting, I did it too quickly and despite switching it off and leaving it for about 10 seconds, it would not then allow me to start the vehicle. The solution was to switch off, lock the vehicle wait for a few seconds then try again, which ensured that the system was re-set and happy to go again.
It will be easy for fleets without other electric vehicles to educate their drivers on this, but for those with other BEVs which you jump in, twist the key and drive away, this might be more of an issue. It’s a small point, but one that will hopefully be resolved with revised software. Once drivers have got used to this, it is just like driving any other electric van.
Verdict:
Iveco has delivered a comprehensive eDaily range, offering flexible battery power, enabling operators to pick the configuration that best suits their needs. It seems well set to take on its rivals.
In Brief:
What is it? Large van/chassis cab
How much? TBA
Range? Up to 186 miles (WLTP combined, depending on model)
Load volume? Up to 19.6m3 (van)
Gross payload? Up to 4,605kg
Drive? 190hp/400nm rear-mounted drive motor, rear-wheel drive with underfloor battery packs
Charging? 11kW on-board charger, 22kW optional. Or 40kW (single module)/80kW (two or three module) on-board DC charger can provide up to 62 miles in 30 minutes
Key fleet model: eDaily 42S
Pros: Comprehensive range, modular batteries, charging and finance options
Cons: Fussy starting routine
Seven-word summary: eDaily is ready to take on rivals
