When it comes to large vans, electric models have struggled to match the capabilities of their diesel counterparts in terms of range and load-carrying ability, meaning operators have been reluctant to invest in them.
Iveco is working to overcome this obstacle by making the new eDaily as competent as the practical and versatile diesel version.
Like its diesel-powered sibling, the eDaily will be offered with gross vehicle weights from 3.5 to 7.2-tonnes. A new version is the 4.25t eDaily, which, being 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.
This model has a payload of 2,700kg and a battery range of up to 186 miles, according to Iveco. The eDaily line-up includes panel van and chassis-cab across the weight range, crew-cab chassis (from 4.25 to 7.2t) and chassis-cowl and minibus at 7.2t. The eDaily range is available with one (37kWh), two (74kWh) or three (111kWh) batteries that can be added or removed during the vehicle’s lifetime. The 3.5t van is offered with one or two batteries, giving ranges of 75 or 146 miles, while the 4.25t van can have one to three batteries, giving it ranges of 68, 124 or 186 miles, respectively.
According to Iveco, the eDaily’s range of capabilities enable operators to go electric without having to make any compromises when switching from the diesel Daily, with which the EV shares a truck-based chassis that can support payloads of up to 4.6-tonnes. Iveco says 62 miles of range can be added in 30 minutes of charge.
In a demonstration of how the electric Daily can match the capabilities of the ICE version, a standard production 3.5t eDaily towed an incredible 153.58t when it was hitched up to an Iveco X-Way Strator truck. The feat enabled the van to claim the Guinness World Record title for ‘The heaviest weight towed by an electric van’.
The manufacturer uses innovative features to improve performance across the Daily range, an example is a lightweight load bed floor supplied by Legend Fleet Solutions. More than 50% lighter than plywood, Iveco claims it adds 72kg to the Daily’s payload.
One of the Daily’s strongest traits is its suitability for conversion with chassis cabs accounting for 65% of sales.
As Mike Cutts, Iveco UK Light Business Line director, says: “We need to be as flexible as possible for the bodybuilding industry. All [models] are designed with bodybuilders in mind.”
In partnership with What Van? for the last three years, Iveco has showcased the van’s versatility through the Daily Mission Awards, which cover a variety of market sectors: Delivery, Construction and Utilities, Ground Maintenance and Forestry and Specialist Vehicles.
For 2024, Iveco is updating the Daily with a new driver-friendly dashboard that includes a 10.25in configurable digital cluster, a 10in touchscreen, keyless entry and locking.
A host of new ADAS include vulnerable road user (VRU) protection; traffic jam assist that automatically follows the traffic flow; advanced lane centring, which steers the vehicle and keeps it in the centre of the lane; and the adaptive cruise control with stop and go, which keeps pace with the vehicle in front, stopping when it does.
With the intelligent speed assist and traffic sign recognition safety warnings, the driver can accept and set the speed limit, driving safely and without stress.
Driver safety is improved with AEBS and city brake, which also protects vulnerable road users and the new turn assist function automatically activates the brake as necessary when turning to avoid impact. Blind spot warning, rear and cross traffic braking are also available.
Highly Commended: Ford Transit
For 2024, Ford is introducing upgraded technology to its Transit and E-Transit van ranges. New features include Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system, with a 12in touchscreen, 8in digital instrument cluster and connected Satnav with real-time traffic information. A new 5G. modem will allow wireless updates to vehicle systems, a new delivery assist system – available with long-wheelbase automatic models – automates repetitive security tasks for delivery drivers. When they shift into park, the van will stop the engine, activate the hazard warning lights and alarm, and lock any doors that the driver does not use to exit the cab or access parcels. In addition, there’s a new Upfit Integration System, designed to allow aftermarket equipment to be controlled via the in-cab touchscreen and monitored via Ford Pro software. Other changes include a new eight-speed automatic transmission option for front-wheel drive models and new wheel hub and brake systems designed to reduce weight and be easier to replace.
