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New Citroën ë-Relay officially launched in the UK Citroën’s biggest and most capacious 100%-electric van has been officially launched in the UK. New ë-Relay joins the award-winning Citroën ë-Dispatch in the brand’s extensive LCV line-up. By the end of the year, customers will also be able to order the most compact electric van in the Citroën range – the eagerly anticipated ë-Berlingo Van. Which means from Quarter 4 of this year, fleet and business customers will be able to choose the compact, medium or large Citroën van that best meets their needs – and then opt to have it delivered with an efficient all-electric powertrain. New 100%-electric ë-Relay is available exclusively in well-appointed ‘Enterprise’ trim, and is
available in Panel Van, Window Van or Chassis Cab configurations – meeting the needs of the vast majority of business and fleet operators. Panel Van versions are available in L2 (5,413mm), L3 (5,998mm) and L4 (6,363mm) lengths, while the Window Van is offered exclusively in L4 form. Chassis Cabs are available in the popular L3 length. With up to 15m3 of load volume and 1,150kg of payload, new ë-Relay really does offer outstanding practicality and versatility. Customers have the choice of two Lithium-
ion battery packs, a 37kWh option connected to a 120hp (90kW) electric motor available exclusively in the L2 Panel Van, or a 70kWh battery unit connected to the same 120hp (90kW) motor for all other body types. The 37kWh battery provides a WLTP certified range of up to 73 miles in the L2 Panel Van, while the 70kWh battery increases range up to 139 miles under WLTP testing for L3 and L4 variants. With zero tailpipe emissions, the new 100%-electric ë-Relay is exempt from current Congestion and Ultra Low Emissions Zone charges, and attracts a 0% company van tax rate. All new Citroën ë-Relay models come with a Type-2 charging cable as standard, supporting charging of up to 22kW. A full charge from a 7kW wallbox unit will take six and 12 hours respectively, for the 37kWh and 70kWh versions. Both variants also support up to 50kW rapid charging. All battery units enjoy an eight-year/100,000mile warranty for added peace of mind. New Citroën ë-Relay models come as standard with a five-inch colour touchscreen, DAB radio and satellite navigation, plus a new rear-view mirror that contains a small display with key vehicle information such as battery charge level and remaining range.
MAXUS reports 400% increase in sales For the first time ever, the CV Show showcased an all-electric LCV stand as MAXUS delivered an electric experience for visitors, featuring the new platform e DELIVER 3 and the larger e DELIVER 9 models. Later this year MAXUS will introduce another variant to the e DELIVER 9 family in the form of a short wheelbase LCV. While the variant didn’t make an appearance at CV Show, it will be available to order from Q4 2021.
A key highlight of this year’s show, visitors could check out nine MAXUS EV variants including an e DELIVER 3 fridge and EV SWB Dropsider (52.5kWh) in advance of the launch of the allnew e DELIVER 3 long wheelbase chassis, which will be available in the UK and Ireland in Q1 2022. Speaking at the CV Show, Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS said: “EVs are a common sight on our roads today, which is why MAXUS decided to exclusively showcase a purely electric fleet at this year’s CV Show. “Over 54% of MAXUS sales so far this year are electric and with all eyes firmly on the future of motoring, we wanted to give people the option to explore what electric driving might mean for them during a visit to our stand. At MAXUS dealerships, we provide business owners and fleet managers with a realistic evaluation of where they are on their journey to greener motoring and what they need to do next. “We wanted to bring this service to the CV Show too, so that
people can equip themselves with the right information for their business - some may be ready to make the switch, others may need to put policies and infrastructure in place before making the move and MAXUS provides a step-bystep guide to ensure that move is as seamless as possible.” MAXUS has had its best year ever thanks to several significant fleet deals and is currently forecasting a 400% increase in sales in the UK by the end of 2021 (v 2020). Businesses, primarily in the grocery, retail, pharmaceutical and delivery
sectors, have been seeking out MAXUS for a new suite of vehicles in recent months. These deals, and the many other business enquiries that MAXUS has received in recent months is proof that businesses large and small are getting serious about going electric. In other positive news, MAXUS has increased its network of dealerships in the UK this year by 40%, with over 40 dealerships now located around the UK – and growing (50 including service dealers), with a target to reach 80 service points.
2022 will see MAXUS build even further on its great range of commercial vehicles with the launch of a seven-seater combi van. Work is also underway to test the market feasibility for a MAXUS Intelligent Flexible Architecture (MIFA) platform seven-seater, fully electric MPV. Mark Barrett confirmed that MIFA would enable EV to be used across the MAXUS range to suit various applications including SUV and MPV. MAXUS is also exploring the feasibility of introducing a midsized pick-up truck, the ET90, to the market. Other vehicles currently being considered for right hand drive markets include an EV mini bus, a range of medium to heavy duty track including an EV tractor unit, which would move the brand beyond the LCV sector and into heavy duty vehicles.
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