Iveco’s new electric Daily van represents a huge step up in sophistication, refinement and practical capability compared to the brand’s previous foray into the large electric van market.
The manufacturer took the wraps off the eDaily at the Hanover IAA show in September and the van is expected to arrive in UK showrooms before the end of March 2023.
Different variants of eDaily will be released until the range covers the entire 3.5 to 7.2t weight bracket. In doing so it will mirror the diesel version’s marketplace footprint.
A new version will be the 4.25t eDaily, which, as an electric van, can be driven by drivers with the standard B licence that allows them to drive a conventional van weighing up to 3.5t.
Likely ranges for the eDaily will vary from 75 miles to 250 miles depending on factors such as the prevailing temperature and weather conditions, and which configuration of battery packs the operator chooses, they can specify one, two or three.
Unlike so many of its competitors, Daily is chassis-based thanks to its truck heritage. The batteries therefore drop neatly into the chassis, making them easy to install and remove, meaning operators can choose to increase or reduce the number of batteries in their vans during the course of their working lives, depending on the missions they are assigned to.
The batteries’ energy density and the way in which they have been designed means the electric Daily offers a potential 80kg payload advantage over its diesel counterpart. Access to a fast-charger enables the batteries to reach 80% of their capacity from an initial 20% in just half an hour.
The eDaily’s electric motor generates up to 140kW, with torque hitting 400Nm. Towing capacity is up to 3.5t.
While big fleets look set to be the initial customers, Iveco is confident the eDaily will soon start to attract interest from medium-sized fleets and small businesses too. The vehicle’s ability to power ancillary equipment from its traction batteries of up to 15kW, without diminishing the driving range should help cement its appeal across the board. This facility enables it to run cranes, pumps and tipping gear as well as fridge units.
Iveco is to introduce an innovative pay-per-use digital rental scheme for customers when it launches the eDaily. The manufacturer will trial the long-term rental service, named GATE (Green and Advanced Transport Ecosystem), in Italy next year before rolling it out to other markets, which could potentially include the UK. GATE is part of a suite of
digital services that will also cover charging infrastructure, day-to-day energy management and remote maintenance management.
Iveco claims GATE will provide customers with “affordability and peace of mind” with the amount they pay for the service calculated according to mileage, time spent using the vehicle and energy consumption. As a new brand within the Iveco Group, GATE is designed to have an independent business structure with employees dedicated to meeting the needs of electric commercial vehicle customers. Iveco describes GATE as an ecosystem that will deliver sustainable solutions to customers, who can choose the level of support and flexibility they require to run their business and tap into the services GATE makes available, including maintenance and repair, connectivity and telematics, financing, insurance, energy use and ancillary services.
Highly Commended: Ford E-Transit Custom
Expected to arrive on the scene in the third quarter of next year, the electric version of the UK’s best-selling van is set to have a seismic impact on the market. It features a 74kWh battery pack – with cell technology offering 12% more energy density than its big brother the E-Transit – delivering a range of up to 236 miles between charges on the official WLTP cycle. Charging speeds of up to 125kW will be possible, allowing a 15–80% charge in 41 minutes. Alternatively, an 11kW onboard charger will be capable of a full battery recharge in 7.8 hours. There will be a choice of two electric motor options, offering 135hp or 217hp. Maximum payload is up to 1,100kg, and towing capacity up to 2,000kg. Ford says a lower load floor offers improved access, and independent rear suspension helps driving dynamics. Panel van versions will offer load volumes between 5.8m3 and 9.0m3. Double-cab-in-van and kombi bodystyles will also be available, all with a choice of short or long wheelbase and low or high roof.
