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Ford has introduced a new monthly subscription for the Ford E-Transit van to help businesses with their push for electrification.
Ford Drive allows fleets to add vehicles as they need them, enabling them to test the real-world suitability of an electric van without having to buy one.
Customers can apply directly to Ford Drive for a vehicle with fast delivery available from centrally held stock. It comes with a transparent subscription price that inlcudes full service, maintenance and repair plan. Also included are all components, tyres and breakdowns, along with Ford Pro mobile servicing.
There's a minimum term of just one month, but the monthly subscription run indefinitely. If the customers need to cancel their subscription, the Ford Drive subscription notice period is just two weeks.
Subscriptions to the E-Transit are currently being offered on the Ford Drive website at a price of £1200 per month (excluding VAT). Other options include the Ford Ranger from £1050 and the Ford Transit Custom priced at £850 per month.
“For many businesses there are a unique mix of challenges that need to be resolved before they can be confident that an EV is a good investment for their business”, said Richard Balch, director, Ford Drive UK. “Ford Drive gives a simple way for them to effectively try before they buy. At the same point, the flexibility and services included in our subscription model also make for a compelling longer-term proposition as some customers are already finding out.”
Ford Drive is an ideal solution for businesses needing a stop-gap vehicle as well as for any business that is considering buying an electric van and wants to know if it will fit with their operation. The included services, as well as zero deposit, makes it a different option to purchasing with a very low financial commitment and limited risk.
Ford Drive was launched in mid-2023, since then, many customers have began using the subscription model as an alternative to fixed term van rental. Ford says that several of its customers also continue to roll over their subscriptions repeatedly.
Isuzu has teased pick-up truck fans with a show version of a Isuzu D-Max AT37 pick-up truck.
Although only a show concept of what a D-Max with 37-inch diameter tyres would look like, the D-Max AT37 could become another series production model if it gets a warm reception at the CV Show.
Shown in a stunning blue, the heavily modified show truck from Arctic Trucks builds on the success of the D-Max AT35 with an even higher ride height and more extreme looks.
As well as larger wheels and tyres with flared wheelarches, the AT37 gets powerful front spotlights and a winch. There's a contrasting proctive black bonnet strip which adds even more aggression to the front end. While at the rear there's a well-appointed storage box with silding draws and expedition roof rack, supporting a pop-up tent.
The AT37 gets 37” BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tyres, along with an advanced 10-position adjustable Arctic Trucks Bilstein performance suspension system. Overall it is 140mm taller than the standard D-Max range.
The extensive Arctic Trucks re-engineering isn't just limited to the appearance, tyres and suspensions, there are also changed underneath with a reinforced frame and extended side steps.
Although there's no set plans to make the AT37 it follows on from Isuzu's relationship with Arctic Trucks and the D-Max AT35 model. The flagship pick-up truck model in the D-Max range has sold more than 1200 units last year, despite being one of the most expensive pick-up trucks on sale at a starting price of £51,000 ex VAT. That's Ford Ranger Raptor V6 territory.
The success of the AT35 could lead to the AT37 being a regular feature on the price list of Isuzu D-Max models of years to come.
Nissan Townstar and Nissan Primastar get Gold ratings in latest EuroNCAP Commercial Van Safety ratings test
Electric van sales remain the same as 2023 figures as the overall market for LCVs increases to highes levels post-pandemic
Show concept Isuzu D-Max AT37 could make it onto the price list of the D-Max range as AT35 sees growing success.
B–On, makers of the B-On Pelkan electric van, has announced a new partnership with Chinese manufacturer Chery Group.
B-On and Chery wil for a strategic partnership, including the formation of a joint venture company in order to launch of the new Pelkan electric van in the light commercial vehicle sector.
The focus of the joint venture will be to develop, produce, and sell all-electric commercial vehicles.
The agreement will see B–On contribute its network for sales, aftersales, and branding in Europe and North America with the engineering design and product development of the Pelkan vans.
Chery Commercial Vehicle will provide manufacturing base as well as engineering and supply chain support.
The B-On Pelkan electric van is available with two battery sizes, giving rise to the Pelkan 43 and Pelkan 54 variants. It gets a claimed payload of up to 1350kg, and two batteries of 43kWh and 54 kWh.
The Pelkan will have a range of up to 279km for the bigger battery and 226km for the smaller unit.
Deliveries in mainland Europe will begin in mid 2024.
“Partnering with a major world leader like Chery Group is a pivotal moment for B–ON and its growth,” said Bruno Lambert, CEO of B–ON.
“Combined, our ability to provide high quality, low-cost electric commercial vehicles is unmatched in the market today, and I’m extremely optimistic about our joint prospects,” Lambert added.
“As a leading global automaker, we have long recognized the need to be prepared for an electric future,” said Tongyue Yin, Chairman of Chery Group. “Innovative, agile companies like B–ON are uniquely poised to supply the nascent and rapidly expanding commercial vehicle market in their local geographies but lack the manufacturing base to address the full mass-market demand. Our partnership makes for a perfect union. Together, our future is bright.”
Chery Group is currently the third-largest automaker in China with nearly 2 million vehicles sold in 2023.
Show concept Isuzu D-Max AT37 could make it onto the price list of the D-Max range as AT35 sees growing success.
B-On announces a partnership with Chery Group for the manufacturing and support of their new B-On Pelkan electric van.
Maxus has launched a new medium van with 208 mile range, 1200kg payload and up to 7.6 cubic metre capacity.
Maxus has revealed the long-awaited Maxus eDeliver 5 van at the Commercial Vehicle show.
The latest model in their electric van line-up the eDeliver 5 completes the small to large revamp of their product range which started with the eDeliver 3 compact van and includes eDeliver 7 mid-size and eDeliver 9 large van.
Imported into the UK by Harris Maxus, the eDeliver 5 gets a 64kWh battery returning a 208 mile range, according to the WLTP combined test cycle.
Power comes from a 120kW motor producing 240Nm of torque. The eDeliver 5 will also get a 1200kg payload and come in two roof heights with 6.m3 or 7.6m3 load volume.
Prices will start from £34,000 with order books open immediately. Production will begin next month at parent company SAIC’s production facilities in China and the first vans are expected to arrive in time for the registration plate change in September.
Speaking at the launch, Mark Barrett, Managing Director of Group Franchises at Harris Group, said: "It’s been eight years since the debut of our first all-electric commercial vehicle, the EV80. As a young brand, MAXUS has swiftly emerged as a trailblazer in the electric vehicle sector. And while we may be perceived as disruptors, our commitment to enhancing EV technology remains steadfast. Since 2016, we have introduced ten superb commercial and passenger vehicles to the UK market, eight of which are fully electric. Our latest products are yet another example of our e-vehicle market leadership and our unmatched ambition to continually build on our range.”
The eDeliver 5 was joined by the reveal of the new Mifa 7 people carrier – a smaller version of the Mifa 9 launched last year.
While new models in the van line-up are not expected in the foreseeable future, the eDeliver 3 will get an update next year, according to Barrett.
There will also be the introduction of a diesel engine version of the eDeliver 7 later this year.
Maxus’ plans for a heavy duty truck range have taken a back seat, however, the company is considering future plans for a lightweight truck range.
Future truck models will likely come at 7.5- and 10-tonnes GVW.
MAXUS eDELIVER 5 – CV Show model spec
Isuzu has revealed a limited edition model of its D-Max pick-up truck to line-up with a new Steel trim level.
The Isuzu D-Max Steel will sit above the V-Cross in the range but has been limited to just 300 units. It gets a flared wheel arch kit, exclusive Steel Grey Mica paint and a whole host of STEEL branding inside and out. There's also a Dark Grey Isuzu badge on the grille, as well as roof rails and electric folding mirrors as standard.
Steel branding can be found on the headrests, tailgate, and sides as well as with illuminated puddle lights and branded mats.
endees with an up-close look at the exceptional craftsmanship and advanced features of the STEEL Edition.
Built upon the highest specification Isuzu D-Max V-Cross model it gets automatic Bi-LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors and a reversing camera. There's also keyless entry, leather interior with electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
Creature comforts include dual-zone climate control and a 9-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It's also a proper commerical vehicle with the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross STEEL Edition capable of a 1-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity. It also has a wading depth of up to 800mm.
The new Isuzu D-Max Steel Edition will be available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options. Prices will start at £38,495 for the manual model, with the automatic version priced at £39,995 ex VAT. Think of it as a cut-price Ford Ranger Platinum.
Order books will open on 6 May for the Steel Edition, so if you're in the mood for a steel then you'd best make a note and act fast.
Production of commercial vehicles in the UK declined by 2.9% in the first half of the year according to the SMMT
Nissan Townstar and Nissan Primastar get Gold ratings in latest EuroNCAP Commercial Van Safety ratings test
Electric van sales remain the same as 2023 figures as the overall market for LCVs increases to highes levels post-pandemic
Ford has expanded the range of the E-Transit with the introduction of a brand new 89kWh battery.
The new battery option will increase the Ford E-Transit's range to 402km (250 miles) on the WLTP test cycle.
Charging speeds. have also been improved with AC charge capabilities doubled from 11 kW to 22 kW, and DC fast charging increasing from 115kW to 180kW. That means that using an AC supply, a full overnight charge will take less than six hours while a DC fast charge will see 116 km of driving range added in just 10 minutes and an 10% to 80% charge taking approximately 28 minutes.
Servicing intervals are also increasing for both the new van and the current model with extended two-year/unlimited mileage service intervals - a doubling of the current one-year interval requirement.
A new vapour-injected heat pump will also be standard on the extended range E-Transit van. This will enable the cabin to be heated more efficiently and is a similar to the one used on Ford E-Transit Custom which is designed to improve energy efficiency and optimise range in colder weather.
Ford Pro expects that the increased capability of E-Transit extended range will appeal to customers with a wide range of use cases and requirements.
The new 89kWh battery will be available on E-Transit vans in L3 and L4 lengths as a van, double-cab-in-van and single chassis cab.
As with the existing E-Transit, GVWs will range from 3,500 kg to 4,250 kg allowing a maximum E-Transit payload of up to 1,460 kg for vans and 1,814 kg for chassis cab variants.
The extended range E-Transit will also. have a towing capacity of up to 750 kg for 3,500kg GVW vans.
“The extended range option for E-Transit is another example of the Ford Pro commitment to making high-productivity electric fleets a reality across Europe,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe.
“Giving customers the option to drive further between charges alongside a wide choice of body styles and support from Ford Pro’s connected ecosystem strengthens our position as their trusted partner for complete fleet solutions," Schep added.
Ford Pro will also offer the E-Transit with a new factory-supported electric minibus conversion from Turkish converter ISRI.
Designed for taxi firms, schools and local authorities, the new E-Transit minibus will be able to seat up to 15 people and is based on an E-Transit L3 window van. Plated at 4,250 kg GVW, it can be specified with a single or double front passenger seat, and with a nine- or 12-seat rear layout. It's also available in either a standard or high height. Air conditioning, rear cabin heating and a powered side step are all standard. on the new E-Transit Minibus.
Production of commercial vehicles in the UK declined by 2.9% in the first half of the year according to the SMMT
Nissan Townstar and Nissan Primastar get Gold ratings in latest EuroNCAP Commercial Van Safety ratings test
Electric van sales remain the same as 2023 figures as the overall market for LCVs increases to highes levels post-pandemic
