LEVC VN5

VN5 offers some unique touches that impress

The LEVC VN5 is just that little bit different – and what makes it different is its eCity technology. It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery and features a petrol range extender to maintain the battery charge state. The battery always powers the motor and drives the vehicle, while the range-extender acts as a back-up generator and trickle-charges the battery to maintain its current state of charge. When the 31kWh battery is depleted (after about 58 miles in the VN5), the 1.3-litre range extender engine kicks in and charges it back up again, providing a total range of over 300 miles. There are three driving modes: Pure EV, Smart and Save.

Practicality

The VN5 may be electric but it has to offer van customers what they want and the company has tried hard to deliver on this. With up to 5.5m3 capacity, VN5 cargo capacity will take two Euro-sized pallets with a gross payload of 830kg. The side-loading door will let you load a pallet though it, and the 60/40 split door at the rear makes loading and unloading easier.

Warranty and build quality

The VN5 is actually built from strong and lightweight bonded aluminium monocoque and SMC construction. This technology is resistant to corrosion and will absorb twice the crash energy of mild steel. In addition, VN5 features SMC panels which are resistant to dents and can shrug off minor impacts. In addition, there’s a class-leading five-year/150,000-mile vehicle warranty and a battery warranty of eight years/150,000 miles.

Pros and cons

The VN5 is, in fact, a range-extender van, making it a unique proposition for city-based drivers.

Furthermore, where few EV cars currently come with more than a standard 3-pin and 7kW charging lead, the VN5 offers 50kW DC rapid charging and minimum 11kW AC fast charging capability from the off.

On the downside, its 830kg payload and 5.5 m3 of load space leaves it trailing the diesel competition for practicality.

Conclusion

While it may not offer the payload or cubic capacity of the diesels out there, it is being marketed by LEVC as the perfect ‘delivery to door’ solution.

Thanks to its petrol engine, which gives it a 300-mile range, it isn’t just a ‘last mile’ solution and may be the van you need to transition gently into the electric market place.

CC&V RATING:

British built and different N N N N