Maxus eDeliver 9 including Western Maxus

Build quality and range make this a van be taken seriously

The eDeliver 9 is the latest to roll off SAIC’s assembly lines – and it’s further proof that the Chinese manufacturer is heading in the right direction, says Andrew Walker

Alongside its eDeliver 3 electric van, Maxus has launched a new large electric van, the eDeliver 9. It replaces the old LDV EV80 and gives Maxus two electric vans in a sector that’s increasing in size month by month.

Chinese owners SAIC changed the name of its European van brand from LDV to Maxus in 2020 and the eDeliver 9 is its take on the large electric van.

Available in one spec, Luxury, the eDeliver 9 comes in three body lengths, three heights and three wheelbases, as well as a crew cab, chassis cab and minibus. A network of specialist converters can also create a bespoke van to cater for needs including mobility, refrigeration and specialist cargo.

Model range and charging

The eDeliver 9 is available in two sizes – medium or long-wheelbase – and with three battery options: 51.5kWh, 72kWh and 88.55kWh. The driving range is up to 219 miles. Using a standard 7kWh home wall box, the different versions will charge from 0-100% in seven hours, 10 hours or 12 hours respectively. DC rapid charging allows for a 5-80% top-up to be completed in just 45 minutes.

Practicality

All variants have a cargo compartment that measures 2,062mm wide by 2,525mm high. The two load lengths offered are for mediumwheelbase model 5,546mm and for the long-wheelbase model, 5,940mm. Cargo volume for the medium-wheelbase eDeliver 9 is 9.7 cu m3, while the long-wheelbase model comes with a capacity 11 cu m3. Maximum payload is up to 1,700kg.

Looks

In the flesh, the eDeliver 9 looks a lot like a Ford Transit, which is a compliment. So you get a large front grille, high bonnet and LED headlights. Inside, Maxus has created a cabin that in terms of quality and finish, is a million miles away from the old EV80 and is a nicer place to be than many other van in this sector.

Continued on page 36

MAXUS partners with Eastern Western Motor Group to expand Scottish dealer network

MAXUS has partnered with Eastern Western Motor Group to grow its dealer network in Scotland with the addition of a new dealership in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. The dealership now offers MAXUS sales, service and parts across the Central Belt of Scotland.

The addition of Western Maxus brings the total number of MAXUS dealerships in Scotland to four, with more than 42 now located right across the UK. The new dealership is just 10 miles south-east of Glasgow City Centre and 37 miles west of Edinburgh.

Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS, said the expansion of its dealer network was great news: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Eastern Western Motor Group to bring a new MAXUS Dealership to Scotland. We always look for partners with a solid track record, not only in sales and customer service but in aftersales, too. Eastern Western Motor Group is a family-owned business for almost 100 years and its reputation is second to none. As such, we know our brand is in good hands with the team at Western Maxus.

“Geographical location is also important as we continue to build nationwide coverage and this new dealership is perfectly placed to look after customers old and new in the Glasgow and Edinburgh region. We look forward to seeing more MAXUS vans on the road and a successful partnership in the years ahead.”

Speaking about the new partnership with MAXUS, Rory Allen of Western Maxus Bellshill commented: “We are very proud to include MAXUS as part of Eastern Western Motor Group’s offering. Backed by SAIC, which is one of the largest eLCV manufacturers in the world, and their multi-billion investment in innovation, MAXUS has become a market leader, particularly when it comes to eLCVs.

“MAXUS’ latest commercial vehicles are a game-changer. The brand offers a fantastic range of large and medium-sized electric vans which have class-leading features including the longest range of any EV Van, and full towing capability.

“We are looking forward to welcoming MAXUS customers to our Bellshill dealership where they will be looked after to the highest standards.”

A dedicated MAXUS team is officially in operation at the Bellshill dealership and ready to help customers new and old. Contact Western Maxus today by calling 01698 498988.

Build quality and range make this eDeliver 9 a van to take seriously

Continued from page 34

A quick walk around the outside of the van and a soft tap here and there reveals a far more rigid panel van than the previous LDVs, which should reassure potential customers that the Chinese-built Maxus is to be taken seriously.

Interior

There’s plenty of top notch black and chrome plastic on show and generous cabin storage, including a large glove box, deep storage space in the doors, hidden space under the bench seating, a foldable seat back with two cup holders and a built-in tablet holder. The dashboard also includes cup holder storage along with a selection of other storage options above the glove box and windscreen visor. You also get twin USBs and mini jack port, a 12v power socket and on medium and high roof versions, overhead storage too.

Equipment

Standard equipment includes LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, central locking, AirCon, electric windows, a multifunction steering wheel, DAB radio with Bluetooth and an eight-direction adjustable driver’s seat. Move up to the Luxury version and this adds a 10” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with guide assist and no key entry and start.

The eDeliver 9 also features standard safety technology such as, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, hill start assist and driver and passenger airbags.

On the road

As we mentioned, after the spartan EV80 the dashboard comes as a bit of a shock, but in a good way; it looks and feels high end. Again, Maxus designers have cleverly utilised some of the design and layout from its competitors’ vans – after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! It not only looks good, it works well too, especially the 10” touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, which allowed us to sync our iPhone quickly and utilise Google Maps.

The eDeliver 9 is easy to drive, offering nimble steering and a pleasantly smooth ride that you don’t often find with electric vans. On the motorway and once up to speed, we engaged cruise control and this allowed us to relax into the ride. The cab remained relatively quiet, with only some road noise causing us to turn the radio up a touch. Driver visibility is good, with the side mirrors offering a great view of what’s behind when overtaking. The seats are comfortable and there’s a good view of the road around you.

Driving around the Warrington area, one that’s notorious for congestion, the eDeliver 9 really started to shine, negotiating stop-start traffic and some ubiquitous road works with aplomb. The one speed electric gearbox makes for relaxing urban progress. We reverse parked the van in a car park and the parking sensors and rear view camera definitely made this task easier.

Overall, the two hours we spent mimicking a van driver’s journey, short motorway and urban roads, was really enjoyable.

Regeneration

The eDeliver 9 is limited to a top speed of 64mph, meaning you’ll not be tempted to push the van into battery draining territory. You can select three levels of regeneration via the gear lever, which allows you to increase or decrease the regen accordingly.

The van also comes with three driving modes – Eco, Standard and Power – enabling you to conserve battery range even further or if you are carrying a heavier load or are driving in a hilly area, switch up to Power mode as required.

Pros

Only the Fiat Professional e-Ducato can match it for battery range and until Ford’s new E Transit arrives, the eDeliver 9’s range is a deal breaker for us. Excellent cabin build quality. Great selection of sizes and specialist conversions. Impressive ride and handling.

Cons

These are few and far between. We’d have liked to see more variants – the options aren’t great when set against the e-Ducato, for instance – but having said that, if you find your needs are catered for by the eDeliver 9, you’re on to a winner.

CC&V VERDICT

The brand has taken care to make the e Deliver 9 as practical as the competition while giving it a very car-like cabin backed by the latest safety features and onboard tech to make it relevant. It’s light years away from the old LDV EV80 in terms of build quality and body-rigidity and should reassure any doubters that Maxus is a name worthy of your consideration.

CC&V RATING:

N N N N