Conversion specialist Voltia has revealed that the UK will factor big in its plans for the e-NV200 XL electric van, which is just launching over here.
Revealed earlier this year, the electric van offers an 8m3 cargo capacity – twice the load capacity of the standard e-NV200 – and is now part of Nissan’s official product portfolio available through dealers. Being joined in 2021 by a refrigerated version that targets the food and pharma sectors, it’s big news in continental Europe, where leasing offers are being set to undercut diesel vans.
But speaking to Van Fleet World, Voltia sales director Silvester Pullman said the UK is also a key market for the model.
“As we just started UK production a few weeks back and the first UK-built Voltias just hit the road, our plans for the UK are big,” he outlined.
“We believe the production in the UK (for UK and Ireland) should account for 30% of the overall production.”
Part of the model’s lure is its versatility and practicality; its enlarged size enables businesses to complete fewer trips and streamline operations, supported by easy rear-door access and standing room in the cargo bay.
While the larger-capacity electric van is partly aimed at urban operations across Europe to help fleets comply with increased operating restrictions – it’s already been tested in Paris and London where its eco and cost benefits have been proven – Voltia says the fast-paced changes in the EV sector, including government plans to end sales of internal-combustion engine vans in the next decade or so, will ensure its benefits are universal.
“The EV landscape in the UK is evolving very fast and delivery companies pretty much all have a sustainability plan in place that is counting with EVs in the next couple of years,” added Pullman. “This is no longer a case of London or cities implementing LEZ and ULEZ. It is now happening across the country.”
And the low leasing costs are a further attraction; Voltia has teamed up with three top European leasing providers on dedicated e-LCV leasing product, resulting in an offer of below €550 (c.£497) per month (exact price depends on specifications and market), including electricity and other costs. This is due in part to a longer lease period – thanks to the longevity of EVs – and lower maintenance costs, reflecting the specific benefits of an EV.
Pullman continued: “The leasing product that was introduced will help the penetration to smaller players who simply couldn’t afford to do switch, because although they understood the total cost of ownership benefits, the environmental benefits, they simply couldn’t pay £700-800 a month for a van.
“With the monthly cost below €550, the ROI and savings in the long term look a lot more tangible and we believe it will be the tipping point for them.”
