Fleet Van & Utility Autumn 2022

And the International Van of the Year Award 2023 goes to …..the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo!

announced as International Van of the Year 2023 (IVOTY).

At a special awards ceremony at the H’Up Conference Centre on the evening of the press day of the IAA Transportation exhibition at the Hannover Messe in Germany, Dr. Carsten Intra, CEO, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) was presented with the IVOTY 2023 trophy by Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, IVOTY.

The 24 member pan-European judging panel comprised of expert van journalists collectively awarded the new all-electric Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ID. Buzz 110 points, just ten marks ahead of its nearest challenger, the new Ford Pro E-Transit. The Renault Kangoo E-Tech Van, Nissan Townstar Zero-Emission and Mercedes-Benz eCitan were jointly placed in third position. The other shortlisted candidates included new models from the Fiat Professional Doblò & Scudo ranges. Coincidentally, the three podium positions were filled by electrically powered vans.

Internal combustion versions of the Renault Kangoo Van and Mercedes-Benz eCitan won last year’s IVOTY 2022 Award.

Complimenting Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, IVOTY said: “It’s not too often that a totally new van concept comes around and immediately enters the marketplace. The new ID. Buzz is the case in point and has been duly honoured with this award, the highest accolade in the light commercial vehicle industry. Congratulations to Volkswagen

Commercial Vehicle‘s design team on creating this unique vehicle that’s perfect for the environmentally conscious urban environment. It certainly makes a statement with its futuristic and slick styling, yet harks back to the original Transporter T1, from 70 years ago, with its V shaped bonnet, prominent VW badge, and short overhangs.”

On accepting the IVOTY 2023 trophy, Dr. Carsten Intra, CEO Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stated: “Our ID. Buzz Cargo is ‘The Van of the Year 2023’! The first order volumes from our markets show us that our new ID. Buzz Cargo is the right model for commercial customers at the right time. Highly emotional feedback wherever the ID. Buzz appears and last but not least: this new form of mobility gets the right acknowledgment. But the highest recognition is the vote from this highly respected jury: winning this important International Van of the Year Award is such an honour! On behalf of the entire Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles team, I would like to thank the jury members very much for this. We are extremely proud and see this confirmation of our work as a motivation to continue as before: to offer the right commercial vehicle for each of our customers.”

Now in its 31st year, the main criteria for the International Van of the Year Award are the vehicles’ contribution to the efficiency, safety, sustainability and environmental standards of the light commercial vehicle sector. To be eligible, the vehicle must be new, in series production by the end of the year for which it receives the award, and present a significant technological innovation. The election process was adjudicated independently by the RHA UK.

The Merits of the IVOTY 23 Winner

“ID. Buzz is beginning a new age, not only for a range of transporters from Volkswagen, but for all segments within LCVs. This van is something not seen presently in the LCV world. First of all it is closer to a passenger car – as dynamic in shape and in driving with extra comfort, and the same time it is a perfect LCV. “

“ID.Buzz is a very innovative vehicle with a high technical standard. A real innovation that currently has no competitor.  The electric range is also convincing, which is an absolute argument for a van.”

“Fleet Transport drove the new VWCV ID.Buzz Cargo in Copenhagen and we were impressed with the driveline for its smoothness and power delivery. Furthermore, the styling is really top notch. The looks point way back to the classic VW T1 and this together with the electric drivetrain means the ID.Buzz Cargo has everything in it to be a classic once again.”

“The first European BEV-only-LCV is a masterpiece of engineering, design and efficiency. It benefits from the well-known and proven Volkswagen Group MEB drivetrain that is used by five group brands. It is CO2-neutral from production and delivery, has the newest ADAS and connectivity onboard and provides excellent handling and high driving pleasure. “

“The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is setting a new standard in CV-business and represents a big step forward. For the first time a large OEM has realised a fully electric van on a dedicated EV-platform, while setting new standards in terms of efficiency, comfort and packaging.”

“A transformation from the most emotional people mover on the market to a cargo van full of references to the Bulli, yet contemporary in terms of efficiency and sustainability.”

A totally new light commercial vehicle concept from Volkswagen in the shape of the ID. Buzz Cargo has just been

Productivity is the main theme behind Ford Pro, the new name for Ford Motor Company’s light commercial divisions. The ‘blue-oval’ brand demonstrated that productivity focus at the IAA, with a selection of its latest solutions designed to maximise uptime and meet the service requirements of business customers. Ford Pro solutions comprise of a single platform integrating vehicles with software, charging and connected services – enabling commercial customers to reduce costs and optimise efficiency as they transition to electric vehicles.

“Spiralling costs are putting our European business customers under huge pressure, and the need for pro ductivity solutions has never been greater,” said Ted Cannis, CEO, Ford Pro at the event. “Ford Pro’s revolutionary single platform is designed to help our customers cut costs and streamline their operations as they make the switch to electric vehicles.”

Premiered at the Show was the all-new  E-Transit Custom, along with the next-generation Transit Custom range –including the next level plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and EcoBlue diesel-powered derivatives. Featuring next-generation battery technology, E-Transit Custom will offer a range of up to 380 km and 125kW fast charging capabilities.

The all-new Plug-In Hybrid version benefits from a new powertrain, similar to that used by the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid. It  combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a 11.8kWh (usable) battery to deliver a targeted pure-electric driving range of up to 56km. It also offers 2.3kW of power for tools and equipment on work sites via  ProPower Onboard.

Customers can also specify Transit Custom with the latest generation of Ford EcoBlue diesel engines in 110PS, 136PS, 150PS and/or 170PS power outputs. The six-speed manual gearbox is available with an optional mechanical

limited-slip differential for enhanced traction. In addition, a high-efficien cy eight-speed automatic gearbox is introduced, which offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,500kg and is available in combination with a new all-wheel drive system, available on Transit Custom for the first time.

All-new Transit Custom has been redesigned from the ground up and features an extensive range of new customer experiences to enhance pro ductivity, such as the Mobile Office option with innovative tilting steering wheel. Key features and derivatives include:

n All-new vehicle architecture with lower cargo floor height, sub-2m overall height and independent rear suspension

n Four size variants – L1 or L2 lengths, with H1 or H2 roof heights

n Panel van, double-cab-in-van, kombi and L-shaped bulkhead body styles n Standard 5G modem and 13-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen

n Five specification levels - Base, Trend, Limited, Active, Trail and Sport

All next-generation Transit Custom vehicles are fully integrated with the Ford Pro platform of software and connected services. “Our all-new E-Transit Custom is going to help more small businesses than ever transition to all-electric. And for those businesses not yet ready or able to go all-electric, the all-new Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBlue variants will still boost productivity, supported by an all-new architecture and the Ford Pro ecosystem of intelligent, connected solutions,” said Hans Schep, General Manager, Ford Pro, Europe.

The all-new Transit Custom will be built by Ford Otosan in a state-ofthe-art new plant in Turkey. Customer

deliveries of Transit Custom with EcoBlue powertrains are set to begin in mid-2023, with other variants available from later in the year.

Ford Pro Upfit Integration System streamlines digital conversions

Half of all Transits sold in Europe feature some kind of conversion, and many of these modifications require integration with the vehicle’s electrical system – including the addition of controls and displays – which can be challenging and time-consuming for converters. To streamline this process

Ford Pro has developed an Upfit Integration System, a first-to-market digital solution that is introduced in Europe on the all-new Transit Custom. The new system features an interface module that allows seamless connection to the vehicle’s electrical system, and also enables conversions to be controlled via the 13-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen rather than bolt-on switchgear. This allows conversions to be delivered more quickly and efficiently, as well as potentially improving reliability and safety as converters will not have to modify the cab area or splice into factory wiring to fit controls.

In addition, as sales leaders of the pick-up segment in Europe, new versions of the Ranger Raptor performance truck and Ranger Wildtrak both featured prominently.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

Ford Pro reveals fully revised Transit Custom range plus all-new E-Transit Custom

Renault showcases extent of its expertise in all-electric vans

Ever since Renault won the International Van of the Year award 10 years ago with the commercial launch of the all-electric Renault Kangoo in 2011, the French brand continues to develop and innovate zero-emission vehicle technology. Following on from the launch of the latest Kangoo E-Tech Electric and upgrades to the Master E-Tech Electric is a first ever emission-free version of the Trafic Van. As with the other electric vans in the range, no compromises have been made compared to the electric van’s petrol/diesel siblings, boasting the same level of features, diversity, and customisation to suit customer needs.

The Trafic Van E-TECH Electric still boasts storage options that are best-in-class for load length, modularity, and customisa tion:

n It is either 5.08m or 5.48m long and 1.967m or 2.498m high

n Its load volume ranges from 5.8m3  to 8.9m3

n The load length can extend up to 4.15m (on the extended L2 version featuring the ‘through load’ bulkhead)

n It comes with a 90kW motor with a 750kg towing capacity and can carry up to 1.1 tonne

n The 52kW battery has a range of 341 km WLTP

Renault also launched the innovative and unique Hippie Caviar Motel, built the new Kangoo L2 E-Tech Electric. This converted van is designed to serve as a camper van that can cover 285 km and takes only 30 minutes

to recuperate 170 km of battery power, ready for more adventures. The 90kW (120hp) motor runs off a 45kWh battery that can plug into 80kW DC outlets.

A selection of clever storage solutions provide plenty of room for sports gear both inside and outside the vehicle. Fold down the back seat into a bed and enjoy the night sky through the large panoramic roof. The roof rails are perfect for transporting gear for watersports, skiing and other activities. The all-electric show car is perfectly in line with Renault’s strategy to reduce CO2 emissions over a vehicle’s entire life cycle, through the use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as the cork and recycled tyres for the shelves and flooring.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

Pictured at the reveal of the new vehicles are Heinz-Jürgen Löw, Head of Renault’s Light Commercial Vehicles Unit and Louis Morasse, Director of the Renault Commercial Vehicle Design range

A selection of world premieres by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles of the ID. Buzz family, International Van of the Year 2023 (IVOTY), included a refrig erated variant and a paramedic conversion. These were joined at the IAA in Hanover by a range of more than 30 new models, including a taxi version of the Multivan and a mobile e-bike workshop Crafter conversion.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles highlights versatility of IVOTY 2023

ID. Buzz Paramedic vehicle:

A near-production concept, produced by Bösenberg, has room for three people, with the cargo space designed for use as a doctor’s workspace and storage for medical equipment. The paramedic equipment is also incorporated and run from a separate battery system.

ID. Buzz Cargo with box body:

A box body has been added by Veth Automotive, increasing the load capacity from 3.9m3 to 6.0m3 and enabling a payload of 680kg. The sides and back of the box can be fitted with conventional doors, sliding doors, or roll-up shutters,

ID. Buzz Cargo

giving couriers flexibility in accessing packages. The inside of the box features a hard-wearing, non-slip floor.

ID. Buzz Cargo refrigerated vehicle: This refrigeration conversion by Wükaro is designed specifically for last mile deliveries. The concept combines electric drive with an electric cooling system, comprising of a low-profile 230V cooling unit on the roof, with a flat ceiling evaporator, four lithium-ion batteries and an inverter. The batteries are housed within the wheel arches to save space and together supply up to eight hours of charge. With a payload of 390kg, it is perfect for frozen food deliveries, restaurant takeaways or as an ice cream van.

ID. Buzz Cargo as Miele Service Van:

With “paprika red” paintwork, the col laboration between CS/Würth and VWCV was created for Miele. The cargo space has been fitted out with a unique shelving system tailored to service technicians’ specifications for storing materials, spare parts and tools for the Miele customer service personnel. A centre console with integrated folding table serves as a workplace for the driver in the passenger compartment.

Pictured at the reveal of the new vehicles are HeinzJürgen Löw, Head of Renault’s Light Commercial Vehicles Unit and Louis Morasse, Director of the Renault Commercial Vehicle Design range Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie

ID.Buzz Cargo in Pick-Up form

The Vito range from Mercedes-Benz Vans is one of the more familiar sights on the roads, and with good reason. The model line has served all manner of people and businesses with a selection of options only equaled by the range possible applications - and more recently the electric Vito has added to the versatility of the 1-tonne van range.

As we move into the electric vehicle age the Vito is well placed to take on a starring role. Mercedes-Benz Vans has been developing and refining the electric Vito since the first prototype, known as the E-Cell, was driven back in 2009,. This is worth mentioning because many seem to believe that we suddenly have a wealth of electric vehicles available overnight. In fact Mercedes-Benz has been to the forefront in the development of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for over two decades now.

already familiar with the model and have already been running diesel Vitos.

‘With the fitting of a new, longerrange battery, owners of the latest Mercedes-Benz all-electric eVito panel van can now service customers roughly double the distance away without the need to stop-and-charge. A boon to courier companies, urban distributors and those servicing customers within city and outer suburban environments, this ability to travel a longer distance is made possible by a 70 percent higher battery capacity compared to the previous variant. In operational terms, owners can now match sustainability with greater productivity to an extent that was not possible previously’

As stated the Vito is a well proven and refined vehicle. The e-Vito enhances the driving experience further as, with all EVs, it’s quieter and smoother than the ICE engined versions. The FWD Vito van feels solid on the road with the battery pack enhancing the centre of gravity. The 85 kW motor developing 300 Nm of torque means the van moves quickly and makes the e-Vito comparable to the diesel equivalent.

e-Vito

The front wheel drive panel van has been constantly developed since that original prototype, and the latest upgrade can now offer operators a 66 kWh battery that extends the possible range to over 300 kilometres. The new range-extended e-Vito will certainly widen the potential customer base for the brand, and could help to encourage those sitting on the fence to make the move and plug into the future. This may be especially true if those people are

The claimed range in real terms would, from our test drive, seem to be accurate, although this range is of course achieved by adopting a prudent driving style, and making good use of the recuperation system. By using a small paddle lever mounted behind the steering wheel the driver can increase or reduce the amount of roll or recupera tion delivered once the accelerator pedal is released.

The stated range of just over 300 km is ample for many operators, and for many it’s also irrelevant, as they do not cover that distance during a day’s work. However, what is of greater importance

for these operators is the carrying capacities offered with the e-Vito. Here the e-Vito performs as well as its diesel fuelled sibling. It’s comes in two wheelbases with vehicle lengths of 5140 mm and 5370 mm and cubic capacities of 6.0 and 6.6 m3 respectively. Payloads are relative to the size of the battery packs on board and can nevertheless deliver either a payload of 807 Kg or 772 kg.

With operators increasingly comfortable with the range of EVs and learning to work within the charge/ distance parameters, the next question often asked relates to the charging time necessary. Here the e-Vito scores well with 6.5 hours need to charge from 0-100% via a 7.4 kW AC charger. When using a 50 kW DC charger the e-Vito battery will be replenished from 10-80% in a very respectable 50 minutes.

There is little doubt that the e-Vito will work for operators simply because what Mercedes-Benz has done is to take a well proven product, the Vito, and then applied a well-researched and well tested powertrain to the vehicle. This in simple terms should produce a vehicle that will meet its customer’s needs straight off the shelf.

Yet another era dawns for the Iveco Daily range with the addition of an extensive line-up of electric models, badged eDaily. With the various types available from panel van, chassis cab and minibus, from 3.5tonnes to 7.2tonnes GVW, comes the whole package from customer consultation, finance, charging infrastructure, con nectivity, fleet management, remote diagnostics and upgrade downloads. All powered by 37kWh fully modular battery pack options that makes the eDaily suitable to all missions. As 75% of all Dailys sold, feature some type of body conversion, the installation of different types of ePTOs with up to 15kW, means that it can power refrigeration units, cranes, tall-lifts and other applications, and even the most demanding ones such as waste collection and tippers, as demonstrated at the eDaily Experience press event at the Iveco Village in Turin.

A whole host of well thought out and

developed programme of services, surrounding the eDaily will help customers ease their way to e-mobility. Dedicated electronic services include the eDaily Routing app, which interacts with the vehicle to predict vehicle range, required battery charges to reach the destination, and the precise arrival time.

The Iveco On Easy Daily app, integrated with the Iveco Driver Pal vocal assistant though Alexa, offers information specific to electric vehicles, such as vehicle health check, battery level, remote scheduling of recharge and preconditioning, navigation to recharging stations, etc.

At the recent IAA Transportation 2022 exhibition in Germany, Iveco and Hyundai revealed a working prototype of eDaily FCEV equipped with Hyundai’s 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell system and 140 kW e-motor, and a battery pack by FPT Industrial, the Iveco Group powertrain brand. Grossing 7.2 tonnes, this prototype has been tested in Europe, confirming a range of 350 km, offering maximum payload of 3 tonnes and a refuelling time within 15 minutes.

While the eDaily BEV is best suited to short journeys, the eDaily FCEV will be ideal for deliveries requiring a long range with high payload.

To further smoothen the transition to electro mobility, Iveco has introduced GATE - The Green & Advanced Transport Ecosystem, which was described as ‘an all-inclusive long-term rental model for its electric powered commercial vehicles, a package that will also include an exclusive and innovative EV-dedicated pay-per-use formula’.

In explaining the merits of the eDaily, Pamela Paratico, Brand Marketing Director, Iveco Truck Business Units said: ”It’s business as usual for customers of the electric Daily,” in that the latest zero-emission version “remains true to its heritage and professional DNA”.

While uniquely covering from 3.5 to 7.2 tonnes GVW, Pamela mentioned that one, two or three 37kWh battery packs can be specified over the range. For example, the 3.5 tonne version with one

battery pack covers 120km, two equals 235km, while the newly created 4.25 tonne model can accommodate three packs and bring it to 300km without charging, similarly with the 5.2 tonner, it can go 360km, while on the range topping 7.2 tonne can reach 180 km with 3 batteries (111 kWh).

Produced by FTP Powertrain Technologies, battery long life is guaranteed with an 8 year/250,000 km warranty. They have been tested at extreme temperatures from -30 to 50 C.

Over 200 variants of eDaily will become available and its broad selection can offer a payload of up to 4.6 tonnes and a cargo load volume of 20m3. In addition, it can tow a 3.5 tonne loaded trailer, subject to driving licence.

The roll out of the eDaily in sales terms begins in earnest early next year, with most European markets served initially, with Ireland part of the second

wave in quarter two. On the drive within the city environs of Turin, the 3.5 tonne, three-seat er 12m3 eDaily 35S14E with two batteries fitted (74 kWh) with maximum 140 kW/400 Nm felt at home, literally! With its three driving modes: Eco, Natural and Power! Together with three levels of retardation (stalk operated), con servative driving is assured and the range distance can be met with ease. As with all BEVs, the silence and driving comfort are appreciated.

W Hy E DAILy?

Full Line: From 3.5 to 7.2 tonnes

Robust: Best in class body on frame chassis

Modular: Scalable and upgradable battery packs

Performing: 140 kW (I80hp) motor with long peak power

Versatile: Up to 15 kW ePTO & Interfaces for bodybuilders

Connected: Digital services and advanced assistance

Two very special Daily limited editions were on display at the Iveco Village, harking on the past in a futuristic manner as they take inspiration from two iconic OM vehicles from the 1950s and ‘60s, namely the Tigrotto and the Leoncino. These vehicles played a fundamental role in the world of road transport, leaving their mark on the booming economy of those years. The Leoncino special edition is a vintage interpretation of the new eDAILY, while

On October 18, FPT Industrial, the Iveco Group’s global powertrain brand, inaugurated its new ePowertrain plant, fully dedicated to the production of the brand’s electric range including electric axles, electric central drives and battery packs for light commercial vehicles, minibuses and buses.

This opening marks another important milestone for the brand in its decarbonization path and for its strategy of achieving net-zero emissions for its products and of all its industrial activities.

the Tigrotto is a variant of the 4x4 Daily. Officine Meccaniche or OM was an Italian car and truck manufacturing company, based in Milan and Brescia and was subsequently taken over by Fiat on the formation of Iveco.

FPT Industrial inaugurates its new ePowertrain carbon-free plant

At full capacity, it will produce over 20,000 electric axles and over 20,000 battery packs per year for LCVs, minibuses and buses.

The landmark occasion was attended by the Mayor of Turin Stefano Lo Russo and the Councilor for Budget, Patrimony & Productive Activities Development of the Piedmont Region Andrea Tronzano, together with a delegation of professors and students from the University of Turin. The features of the new FPT Industrial plant, together with the Iveco Group’s business vision, were discussed during a moderated talk featuring Sylvain Blaise, President,

Powertrain Business Unit, Iveco Group, Domenico Nucera, President, Bus Business Unit, Iveco Group, Luca Sra, President, Truck Business Unit, Iveco Group, and Annalisa Stupenengo, Chief Operations Officer, Iveco Group.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie Photos: Stefan Boman - IVOTY

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