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New Skywell electric van heading to the UK next year after Paris show debut

October 17, 2024

Chinese manufacturer Skywell has unveiled a new electric van for Europe at the Paris Motor Show.

The as yet to be named Skywell van is currently called the 233 and is made by one of China’s leading electric bus makers. However, it was unveiled in Paris as the Hongtu alongside the Skyworth Q, an electric crossover SUV.

The firm, which became part of Skyworth Group a massive consumer electronics company with a £21bn annual turnover, is well versed in heavy good vehicle manufacturing as well as digital technology and electric vehicles.

The 233 will launch in Europe and the UK with two body lengths and two roof heights, giving the Skywell van a maximum load volume from 9.5m3 to 13m3.

skywell van with side door open

A large van in its proportions, the lengths available will be 5,490mm for the standard model and 5,990mm for the long version, while the regular roof height will be 2,200mm with a lofty 50cm added to the high roof model bringing the total roof height to 2,700mm.

As a large electric van it will be available as both a 3.5-tonne model and as a 4.25-tonne version, making use of the increased capacity for B licence holders to drive electric vehicles without the need for a C1 licence.

Skywell quotes a payload of up to 1,755kg for the 4.25 tonne van, while the lower GVW 3.5-tonne van is likely to have a payload in the region of 900kg with a 2.6-tonne kerbweight.

Battery choices for the Skywell 233 will be between an 88kWh or 105kWh LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery from CATL.

Power comes from a 150kW (201hp) electric motor producing 370Nm of torque.

The most notable feature of its exterior design is its smiling front end appearance which includes standard LED headlights.

On the inside the Skywell van will get a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen along with a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat. There’s also wireless phone charging, wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets keyless entry and start.

Skywell van interior

Safety systems will include a substantial list of equipment – although it’s not yet clear what will be standard – including adaptive cruise control, Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA).

Skywell already makes and sells a van outside of China, with the Skywell EC11 van on sale in Australia.

The EC11 has a similar appearance to the Sprinter and also has the same Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dimensions. It has a roughly 1.7 tonne payload and a 12m3 capacity.

While it won't take the Hongtu name - just as well, we think that is far to close to Hawk Tuah - the freshly-named Skywell van will ditch the 233 name in time for its UK debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Arena in April.

A new name for the UK market will instead come from importer Innovation Automotive, who are also responsible for the DFSK EC35, will also announce pricing at the show.

Written by: George Barrow 

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