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‘A complete mobility solution’ Eric Laforge, head of LCV Enlarged Europe at parent company Stellantis, talks to
As Fiat Professional launches its E-Ducato range, Eric Laforge, head of LCV Enlarged Europe at parent company Stellantis, talks to VanUser
With Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA (Peugeot, Citroën and Vauxhall) coming together under the Stellantis banner, there will inevitably be increased sharing of vehicle platforms and van designs over the coming years. For now, however, the E-Ducato, that arrives in dealers this month, will only wear the Fiat Professional badge, as it was signed off before the two concerns joined forces. Peugeot and Citroën will continue to pursue electric Boxer and Relay models with the help of BD Auto.
“For the E-Ducato we started from the idea of creating not only a green vehicle, but also a complete mobility solution,” said Eric Laforge.
“E-Ducato is available mirroring the diesel versions. A model for every mission, aiming to be the benchmark in the market. To be equipped with the same capabilities as vehicles with combustion engines.”
Much of the development work for the van has been carried out with the help of customers, like DHL Express. The vans have covered thousands of miles in all conditions and over various routes and weights, as the design and technology were refined to meet the needs of the parcel delivery giant. DHL currently operates 14,500 vehicles in Europe and the company has committed to 60% of that fleet being pure EV by 2030.
Alberto Nobis, CEO of DHL Express, commented: “We firmly believe that the future of last-mile logistics is electric. By adding E-Ducatos to our fleet we will take the next step in reaching our goal of electrifying most of our last-mile by 2030.”
“We’re proud that a player as important as DHL Express has chosen the E-Ducato as part of such an ambitious goal,” said Laforge. “With the E-Ducato, our task was not only to develop a sustainable product from both an economic and environmental perspective, but most of all to provide a complete mobility solution for our partners.”
Fiat Professional is not just aiming at last-mile delivery though, it has also designed the E-Ducato for freight, construction, artisans and municipal serWe’re proud that a player as important as DHL Express has chosen the E-Ducato as part of such an ambitious goal
vice providers.
“Its 400 configurations mean that it can meet the needs of all professional operators,” said Laforge.
Nor is Fiat restricting the electric van to left-hand drive markets. “The UK is not delayed at all, it is a really important market for the E-Ducato. The UK is probably the biggest single market at the moment.”
While the E-Ducato is without doubt a Fiat product, as the various models within the Stellantis offer continue to come together across all brands, expect to see an increasing EV offer from Fiat Professional.
“This year we start with E-Ducato. When we have a new Doblo or Talento, there will be an EV version,” said Laforge.
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