VanUser April 2023

The light commercial vehicle market has changed beyond recognition over the last few years and magazines and websites have had to adapt just to keep pace with the rapid march of progress. Electrification, connectivity and automation have transformed the vehicles that we drive, while the pandemic, war in Ukraine, energy prices and the seemingly endless struggle to source components such as semi-conductors, have made life increasingly difficult for manufacturers, dealers, converters and end users.

Vehicle buyers have also changed their operations and the way in which they research and consume information, with printed magazines having increasingly morphed into websites.

Manufacturers are exploring new, diverse ways to reach customers, as they seek to put their products in front of those with spending power. This in turn has seen advertising revenue transfer from specialist B2B magazines like VanUser. Unfortunately, we have now reached a point where this has become unsustainable and so, with great regret, this will be the last printed issue of VanUser

All of us at VanUser would like to thank the many companies that have, over the decades, supported the magazine with advertising, test vehicles and a free-flow of information that has benefitted us all. Together, we have successfully worked to keep van users up to date with this rapidly changing market sector. Most of all, we would like to thank our readers, who have remained loyal to the magazine for many years. Hopefully we have provided valuable information.

On a personal note, I’ll still be at the CV Show this month, gathering information and snapping photos, so if you see me pounding the halls, do come and say hello.

Industry Welcomes EV MANDATE

The automotive industry has welcomed the government’s recently announced consultation on plans for a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This would force manufacturers to sell a certain percentage of battery electric vehicles in the run-up to the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vans and cars. Fleet providers in particular said that the mandate would provide clarity for companies and providers over the coming decade.

“We welcome this long-awaited consultation on a watershed regulation for the UK new car and van market,” said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT.

“We want regulation that gives consumers choice and affordability and enables manufacturers to transition sustainably and competitively. While the proposals rightly reflect the sector’s diversity, late publication and lack of regulatory certainty make product planning near impossible.”

UK van market leader Ford also welcomed the news, with Ford of Britain chairman Tim Slatter adding: The ZEV mandate is a crucial piece of the electrification puzzle, that provides a vital indicator of charging infrastructure needs in the coming years. We know from customers that the biggest barrier to uptake of electric vehicles remains the availability and ease of charging.

“The ZEV mandate gives a clear direction and should provide the confidence for infrastructure investors to commit and enable the future for electric vehicles on UK roads.”

Leasing and rental organisation BVRLA also took the mandate as positive news.

“The ZEV mandate is a critical tool in the UK meeting its ambitious Net Zero targets. The clarity given today will give fleets and motorists the confidence to continue their decarbonisation journey and accelerate the tran-

sition to zero emission transport,” said BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney.

“BEV demand is growing - driven by company car fleets - where over 50% of new registrations are electric. We now need supply to keep pace by providing a wider range of vehicles at all price points. The ZEV mandate will help to ensure the right vehicles are coming to the UK, allowing more drivers to make a swift switch to electric.”

Used values remain strong Transport experts share advice

Auction company BCA reports that used van values averaged £9,851 in February, with buyer demand keeping those values high. While values were down slightly against January, they still exceeded price guides. As the economic outlook continues to improve, BCA is looking forward to further strong demand going forwards.

“Following a good start for the used LCV sector in January, we have ex-

perienced more of the same in February, with robust price performance and rising volumes of vehicles sold,” said Stuart Pearson, BCA’s COO.

“While there has been an improving picture in the new LCV sector for a number of months, it will be some time before we see any significant volume of younger vans reaching the used market. We’re also entering the third anniversary period of the first Covid lockdown, when there was minimal activity in the LCV sector for a few months and that means a potential dearth of three-year old stock until the summer.”

Logistics UK’s Vans Today event is back for 2023, with a line-up of speakers that include National Highways, the SMMT and Aviva. The half day briefing will be held at Leicester City Football Club on April 27 and is priced at £50. The programme will focus on operating vans during the current cost of living crisis, with topics including updates on electric vehicles, ways to optimise van operations, van-focussed compliance challenges and the importance of maintaining van security.

There will also be an opportunity for those attending to ask questions of Logistics UK’s Member Advice Centre team, at a clinic that will be held at the event. More information is available at Logistics UK’s website.

The ZEV mandate is a crucial piece of the electrification puzzle

Vans Today 2023

A Conference for Van Operators - 27 April, Leicester

The DVSA recently revealed that 88.5% of LCVs stopped at the roadside were overloaded.

With plans to pull over more LCV’s on the roadside and to potentially enforce HGVlike legislation on the LCV market, isn’t about time you checked your minibus or van’s laden weights, especially the individual axle weights ? SvTech has discovered many more vans have overloaded rear axles than previously thought. Any overload could invalidate your insurance.

SvTech can help with uprating your LCV to give you more payload, keeping you safe and legal. Most makes and models catered for. Call us to discuss your needs and try using our free Load Distribution program – www.svtech.co.uk/lda

If you need to Downplate your LCV for LEZ purposes, we can help with that too.

www.logistics.org.uk/vt23

SvTech Ltd, Chandler House, Talbot Rd, Leyland, Lancs PR25 2ZF 01772 621800 www.svtech.co.uk

With the latest Ranger pick-up arriving in dealers, Ford Pro has added a further two models to the range. The Wildtrak X builds on the standard Wildtrak model, with a 26mm ride height increase and 30mm wider track. It gets Bilstein high-performance dampers and an uprated power steering system, along with uprated bash plates for more confident off-road use. Power comes from the 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine, delivering 205hp and 500Nm of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The Ranger Tremor is based on the lower trim XLT model, though it shares all of the chassis and suspension updates as the Wildtrak X. Given its working remit, the Tremor model has easy-clean vinyl seats and floor coverings.

Both models can be ordered with a new Flexible Rack System. This folding roof rack and adjustable sliding rear load hoop allows longer loads to be carried above the roof rather than between the cab and the tailgate. This racking system will be offered on Ranger Limited and Wildtrak models from March.

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CV SHOW

TRUTAC

TruTac will present a range of new modules and features within its fleet management and compliance control software. The company will share a stand with parent company Microlise Group. New features for TruFleet users will include upgrades to workshop settings, to allow customers to create bespoke templates for inspections, repairs, servicing and MOTs.

Customers can also view the Microlise tracking system within the TruControl tachograph analysis and reporting software. This includes vehicle location and associated information, putting all fleet data in one single source. Also on display will be TruDocuments Premium, a tool that allows companies to make policies, handbooks, certificates and other literature directly available to divers through the TruTac app.

TELETRAC NAVMAN

Telematic supplier Teletrac Navman will be looking at the migration from internal combustion to battery electric power in the LCV market. The firm’s EV Readiness Tool uses AI and smart algorithms to assess trip data across the fleet, to determine whether vehicles are suitable to switch to EV. It also provides operators with a cost-effective conversion plan, with insights into ownership costs, tax breaks, fuel savings, locations for chargers and environmental impact.

“For most fleets, the transition from ICE to EV will happen over multiple years and operators have told us they need help in overcoming the challenges presented by switching,” said Barney Goffer, UK product manager.

“We will be rolling out some new products in the coming months that will address these issues and give fleet operators even greater guidance. Those with the available capex are investing heavily and getting good insight into how to effectively incorporate EVs into their operations, but there’s equally a lot of fleets who need a bit of a helping hand on where to start.”

CATRAK

US firm CATrak Technologies will launch a catalytic converter theft prevention system at this year’s event. Incorporating a 140dB alarm and real-time GPS location, the CATrak module is installed on the vehicle along with a separate alarm and custom cut-detect module. In the event of an attempted theft of the catalytic converter, if the device, wiring loom or converter is cut, the alarm is activated and the owner notified that a theft is in progress.

Commercial vehicle operators have become a major target for thieves and CATrak has been developed to meet the needs of fleet operators. Traditional protection for catalytic converters consists of passive anti-theft devices, re-

lying on physical barriers such as plates, cages and straps. These devices slow thieves down but do not prevent them, as they are increasingly proficient at removing barriers and using saws that cut directly through them.

“We decided to launch in the UK, as thefts are reported to be 10 times higher than in North America,” said COO John Rollins.

“Criminal gangs are targeting vehicle depots and that’s why we’ve developed a system that allows each device with vehicle ID to be paired with the mobile app. Should a theft be attempted, any designated person can immediately see which vehicle is being tampered with, where it’s located, and take immediate action to prevent it.”

The Commercial Vehicle Show takes place later this month at the NEC in Birmingham. In this second preview round-up, we outline the live theatre programme and look at some of the exhibitors.

JAAMA

Jaama will be launching its Key2 QuickStart fleet software, for fleets with less than 100 vehicles. This includes a vehicle module with service scheduling and a V5 look-up, while the driver management module includes accident management and risk profiling. The company will also show a Maintenance Exchange systems, that can help commercial vehicle fleets control maintenance through the supply chain.

THEATRE LINE-UP

Tuesday 18th April

Road Ahead Theatre-Hall 5, Stand 5A46

• 10:30-10:55: Progress and pitfalls on the path to a decarbonised CV industry. Mike Hawes, CEO, SMMT.

• 11:30-12:00: Energising infrastructure: a plan for zero-emission HGV charging and refuelling. Sukky Choongh, Environmental Manager-Air Quality and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles, SMMT.

• 13:30-13:55: Overcoming barriers to LCV EV Adoption. Mike Cutts, Director, Light Vehicle Business, Iveco.

• 14:30-14:55: Hydrogen’s role in decarbonising transport, an insight into the future of commercial refuelling. Robin Futcher, Managing Director, Commercial Fuel Solutions.

• 15:30-15:55: Navigating the cost of business squeeze with interconnected fleet technology. Richard Parker, Webfleet EV Lead UKI & Mark Simmance, Webfleet Senior Channel Manager UKI, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

Workshop Theatre-Hall 4, Stand 4F16

• 10:00-10:25: TBC

• 11:00-11:25: Batteries-it’s not you, it’s me. Ken Clarke, Managing Director, Rotronics.

• 13:00-13:25: Advanced lead acid batteries; select and maintain the correct technology to save your fleet time and money. Vince Ward, Technical Sales & Training, Varta.

• 14:00-14:25: Importance of certified repairs. Thomas Hudd, National Technical Manager, VBRA.

ECOBAT BATTERY

Battery provider Ecobat will be exhibiting at the show this year, with a range of affordable solutions to provide extended battery life. With many commercial vehicles operating on double or even triple driver shifts, it is not surprising that original equipment starting, lighting and ignition batteries are struggling to keep up. The Ecobat team will be available throughout the show to talk through specific battery requirements.

FLEET OPERATIONS

Mobility management specialist Fleet Operations will demonstrate its driver companion app at the show. The latest addition to the firm’s MOVE software platform, the driver app puts a set of risk management tools, online safety assessments, coaching and e-learning in the palm of the driver’s hand. Drivers can access policy documents, vehicle leasing information, MOT and insurance details and show attendees will be able to carry out mock defect inspections on a van, to see how the results are updated in the platform for management and maintenance teams.

Wednesday 19th April

Road Ahead Theatre-Hall 5, Stand 5A46

• 10:30-10:55: Creating a community dedicated to fight van crime. Laura Moran, Managing Director, TVL Group.

• 11:30-11:55: Reducing fleet risk and improving driver safety. Jessica Chapman Corporate Sales Director/Steven Kirwan Director of Insurance Operations, LeasePlan UK.

• 13:30-13:55: The Road to Net Zero. Rod MacKenzie, Executive Director of Communications, RHA.

• 14:30-14:55: Smart Tacho Version 2 -What will the arrival of this new technology mean for operators? Marc Caplin, Compliance Advisor, Aquarius IT.

Workshop Theatre-Hall 4, Stand 4F16

• 10:00-10:25: Importance of certified repairs. Thomas Hudd, National Technical Manager, VBRA.

• 11:00-11:25: Batteries-it’s not you, it’s me. Ken Clarke, Managing Director, Rotronics.

• 13:00-13:25: Advanced lead acid batteries; select and maintain the correct technology to save your fleet time and money. Vince Ward, Technical Sales & Training, Varta.

• 14:00-14:25: Calibrating driver assistance systems (DAS). Simon Wallace, Customer Engineering Trainer & Support, Knorr-Bremse

Thursday 20th April Road Ahead Theatre-Hall 5, Stand 5A46

• 10:30-10:55: Direct Vision Standard. James Ashford, Head of UK Connected Services, Brigade Electronics UK.

• 11:30-11:55: Transforming the World of Vehicle Telematics with Video. Charles Morriston, Head of Professional Services, VisionTrack.

• 13:30-13:55: De-risking the ageing fleet. David Bushnell, Director of Strategy & Consultancy, Fleet Operations.

• 14:30-14:55: Unchained Maintenance: How Better Fleet Maintenance Relieves Supply Chain Headaches. Richard Clark, Product Manager, Chevin Fleet Solutions.

Workshop Theatre-Hall 4, Stand 4F16

• 10:00-10:25: Calibrating driver assistance systems (DAS). Simon Wallace, Customer Engineering Trainer & Support, Knorr-Bremse.

• 11:00-11:25: Lubricant demand: now and in future (trucks and buses). Andrew Gibson, Commercial Fleet Sector Manager, Shell.

• 13:00-13:25: TBC

This year’s CV Show will have two live theatres running - the Road Ahead Theatre and the Workshop Theatre. These are the respective speakers.

POWER UP

Load carrying capacity

Unveiled at last year’s CV Show, the Maxus T90EV has been arriving with dealers across the UK, though this is our first chance to get meaningful time behind the wheel. The specification has been tailored to the UK market since that initially showing, with the truck now capable of handling up to 1-tonne of payload. Importer Harris Group reports strong interest in the pick-up, with dealers already taking orders for more than 1,000 of the trucks.

Powertrain

The T90EV is powered by an 88.5kWh battery pack, promising a potential driving range of up to 220 miles. Our test route, from Dublin to the west of Ireland above Galway and along the Wild Atlantic Way, was hit by high winds and snow, which certainly did the batteries no favours. However, the truck still promised around the 200-mile mark and

a new platform, expected in 2025. Just over 200hp should provide a fair slug of acceleration, but even unladen the T90EV tips the scales at 2.3-tonnes, so there is little of the neck-snapping acceleration that you might expect from an electric truck.

Progress is reasonably swift though, even in the Eco mode that holds power down slightly. Normal offers a little bit more push and Power delivers the full 150kW to the motor. There are no options when it comes to regenerative braking, which is sufficient to slow the truck for corners on a country road, but won’t provide one-pedal driving in town. The T90EV comes with the ability to charge at up to 11kW on AC power, taking nine hours to get from 5-100%. Alternatively, a 7kW home charger will take up to 13 hours for the same recharge. Hook up to a rapid DC charger however and the truck can accept up to 80kW, giving a 20-80% charge in just

Maxus has reported a strong order bank for the T90EV already, with more than 1,000 orders taken.

“That show truck last year was not UK specification, so had a limited payload that would have had the VAT man rubbing his hands together. However, Maxus has re-plated the T90EV for UK customers with a 1.0-tonne payload, depriving Customs of a 20% boost on the price for those that are registered. The truck can also tow up to 1.0-tonne if desired.

Though only offered as a double cab, the Maxus delivers a reasonable pick-up bed, with a load space that is 1,485mm long and 1,510mm wide.

...continued on page 13

The UK’s first all-electric pick-up has finally arrived and we’ve had the chance to drive the Maxus T90EV, says Dan Gilkes.

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Each heavy gauge steel unit comes in two parts, a base plate usually fixed to the floor, and a portable container which locks to the base and can only be removed by the key holder.

COLLECT SAFE: Mainly used by roundsmen or retailers taking coins, notes and cheques. Fitted with baffled slot as standard.

COMMERCIAL SAFE: Medium size – ideal for regular collections from vending machines/rent payments etc. Automatically locks into base, and can be supplied with either one or two locks. The single lock operates both lid and base whilst the twin lock version has designated locks.

INDUSTRIAL SAFE: For collections of large amounts of valuables. Has optional tops, ie: roll top, coin chute etc. Two lock version available. For more information, or to discuss your own specific requirements, please call 01308 423871.

In the cab

There is just the one trim level, making ordering simple. The seats are covered in an artificial leather, which should be easy to wipe clean, however seat heating, an essential in the winter months, is an option. The cab’s heating and air conditioning system can also be a bit all or nothing, though it coped well with the wintery conditions.

The truck’s interior is spacious, thanks in part to the lack of a gear lever. Instead, there is a rotary control offering D, N and R settings. Oddly, there is no P setting, you simply pull on the traditional handbrake once into neutral.

You get a 10.25” touchscreen in the middle of the dash, but you’ll need to hook up a smartphone for sat-nav. That’s not a problem though, with Apple and Android compatibility as standard. You do get a reversing cam-

“

The T90EV handles motorways and country roads with equal ease.

On the road

As mentioned, the T90EV is not left behind by other traffic and it handles motorways and country roads with equal ease. The Maxus is no more bouncy than any other unladen pick-up and the handling is perfectly fine, though there is little feedback through the electrically-assisted steering wheel.

It is possible to hustle the pick-up along if you are in a hurry, but it is less stressful to take it back a notch and coast along on the electric motor’s instantly available torque.

We didn’t have the chance to try the truck off-road, though it handled constant snow and slush with ease. Whether the lack of four-wheel drive will be a problem for buyers will depend on their operation, though there are plenty of all-wheel driven pick-ups that never leave the asphalt.

Perhaps of more concern is the ground clearance, which is considerably less than some 4x4 trucks, as the batteries and that drive motor both hang down below the chassis. Again though, for many buyers that probably won’t be the end of the world.

Conclusion

While there are electric pick-ups in North America, most noticeably Ford’s F150 Lightning, the Maxus has the market pretty much to itself here for a while. There are plenty of potential customers for the pick-up, keen to show their environmental credentials and not too concerned about serious off-roading.

As mentioned, Maxus reports a strong order bank for the pick-up already, with more than 1,000 orders taken. That’s from a limited supply of around 1,500 T90EV’s that will make it to these shores this year. If you think that this is the answer to your transport problems, it might be worth a trip to the local dealer as soon as possible.

Van User Rating – 4.0

Maxus T90EV

Basic price £49,950 Motor Electric 2WD Power 150kW Torque 310Nm

WEIGHTS (KG) GVW 3,300 Kerb weight 2,300 Payload 1,000

DIMENSIONS (MM) Load space length 1,485 Load space width 1,900 Load space height 530

COST CONSIDERATIONS Battery Capacity 88.5kWh CO2 0g/100km Range (WLTP) 220 Service interval 2 years/18,000 miles

Warranty 5 years/125,000 miles Battery Warranty 8 years

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ONBOARD POWER

‘Onboard power’ was once considered a dirty phrase, as it meant powering your appliances by leaving your van running. It was noisy, diesel fumes were either pumped out of the van’s exhaust or from the onboard diesel generator and carbon emissions were as you can imagine, off the scale.

As Steve MacDonald MD from SM UK explains: “Two of the most fundamental questions to ask at the outset are, what do you use the power for? How long do you need the power to run for? These are the options.”

SMART POWER

An all-in-one power unit can provide power to your 240V AC and 12V DC appliances, without the complexities of additional equipment. Even when the vehicle is switched off, the power unit we recommend will still provide ample power to your equipment.

• Compact

• Rapidly recharging 0-80% in 48 minutes

• Jump start function in case of a flat battery. More specifically this type of unit will hold extra power when you need it! Reducing your CO emissions and helping reduce fuel consumption.

SPLIT CHARGER

Another option is to use a split charging kit which is a control unit that safely charges a secondary battery in the van for you to draw from when using power tools or other electrically power-driven appliances. One of the

primary reasons for using a split is that it will protect the starter battery, by isolating it from the main battery when the engine is off, and resumes charging only when the engine is running.

POWER INVERTER

A power inverter gives you 110V, 240V power so you can charge or power on the go or when on site directly from the vehicle. That said ,the inverter may work best with an extra battery or charger in your vehicle if you are using more than one machine or power tool.

SOLAR

Another great option is to have a solar panel mounted on the roof of the van, which could charge a secondary battery without the engine running. Reducing engine wear, oil use,

and perfect for sites where engine idling (engine running whist the vehicle is stationary) is prohibited and of course, further reducing your carbon footprint.

LANDLINE CHARGING

Landline charging gives you the option to charge your onboard power back at base, so irrespective of the distance you are travelling, the batteries will be fully charged and ready to go.

Don’t try this at home!

Whatever your options, its worth speaking with SM UK, as it’s not just a case of one size fits all. Let’s face it, most of us at some time will be working in a remote location, with no access to mains-fed power. And so the need to power a compressor, angle grinder and/or welding equipment or indeed those essential cordless drill batteries and other cordless appliances is a given, right? It therefore makes sense that you may need more than one option, or a suite of options, which collectively will support your need for power whilst on the road.

As MacDonald explained: “At SM UK we aim to dispense an engineering solution and as part of the install we can also provide a solution for your onboard power, with a view to make it work ready.”

For more advice contact:

Tom Fenton or Matt Banks 0845 388 3816 or email enquiries@smuk.co.uk

You can also find further information on our website www.smuk.co.uk

Onboard power - don’t leave home without it. SM UK’s managing director Steve MacDonald guides customers through this potential minefield.

ITT HUB

MAY

Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre

ITT Hub returns to the Farnborough International centre in May, combining innovation and technology to help fleets on their journey to net zero.

Transport technology event ITT Hub will take place on May 10-11 at Farnborough International. The show, which will include a Future Logistics Conference, will host a range of vehicle manufacturers, technology and service providers, across the transport and distribution sector.

Alongside the vehicle and technology exhibitors, such as Ford, Maxus and Geotab, there will be a dedicated Cold Chain Hub, with leading conversions specialists like Paneltex, Hulsteins, Marshall Fleet Solutions, Petit Forestier and Carrier Transicold.

The ITT Hub exhibition will once again host an Energy Theatre, hosted

by National Grid, with a range of speakers. There will also be a series of Tech Talk Theatres, around the show, to provide sector-specific platforms for speakers. This will range from ‘how tos’ to expert Q&A sessions, panel discussions and round tables. The EV Café Village will return too, hosting chats and seminars on all things EV and low emission transport.

ITT Connect is a new programme that will allow visitors to pre-schedule meetings with new and existing business contacts, so that they can maximise their day at the event. There is a dedicated meetings lounge available, or gatherings can be held on exhibitor stands.

“Future Logistics Conference

ITT Connect is a new programme that will allow visitors to pre-schedule meetings with new and existing business contacts

Logistics UK will hold its Future Logistics Conference at ITT Hub again this year. The keynote speech on day one will be presented by theoretical physicist and broadcaster Professor Jim Al-Khalili, who will discuss how discoveries in global communication, energy generation, battery technology, computer science and artificial intelligence will impact the world of transportation and logistics in the next decade and beyond.

Logistics UK expects to welcome Jesse Norman MP, Minister of State for Decarbonisation and Technology as the keynote speaker on the second day of the conference. Other speakers will include Tim Campbell, managing director of Campbells Consultancy, who will deliver a session on Building Your Decarbonisation Strategy For Vans.

Logistics UK will also launch its latest EV report at ITT Hub, providing an up to date picture of fleet operator experience in the move to electrification. Presented by deputy director of policy Michelle Gardner, the EV report will examine issues such as securing depot electricity supply, managing and using EV charging infrastructure and electric vehicle acquisition.

Show information

Farnborough International is 15 minutes from the M3 motorway and 35 minutes from London by train. Entry to the event is free and there is plenty of on-site parking for those driving to the show.

Pete Williams

MODERN MOVER

MODERN MOVER

We’ve driven Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz Cargo twice before. The first time was at the international launch in Copenhagen, the second at a UK event in Oxfordshire. The mid-weight VW impressed on both occasions, with its reimagining of the iconic microbus shape helping the feelgood factor.

It’s only when you spend some real time with a van though, away from the hype of a launch, that you really find out what it is like to live with. It helps if during the week that the van is with you it rains, or you need to drive at night, so that things like wipers and lights get some use. It’s also a bonus if you have a load that needs to be moved from A to B.

Powertrain

The ID. Buzz Cargo is powered by a 77kWh battery, that drives a rear-mounted electric motor turning

the back wheels. That motor creates 150kW (204hp) and 310Nm of torque, which is enough for very rapid acceleration and an easy cruise. There are four driving modes, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual, where the driver can tweak the steering and other settings to their own preference. A second click of the small lever that engages forward or reverse brings a brake regeneration setting into play, providing increased brake force when you lift off the throttle.

The van has a charging point towards the back on the right-hand side. This contains an AC Type 2 charging point, capable of taking up to 11kW of power, or a CCS rapid DC charging port that can handle up to 170kW of recharge. If you have 11kW of threephase AC power, you’ll get a 100% fil in around 7.5 hours. If you can find a highspeed DC charger, it would be possible

to get from 50-80% in just 30 minutes. Unlike many vans, where the charging cables have to vie for space with your load or your passenger, there is a small slot below the floor in the van for storage of cables, though it took me some time to find it.

Load carrying capacity

The ID. Buzz Cargo is not intended as a direct replacement for either VW’s smaller Caddy, or the larger Transporter. It therefore offers a load volume of 3.9m3, which sits across the two diesel models. There will be a longer version of the people-carrying Buzz, but not of this Cargo van.

The load floor sits fairly high, to make space for the battery packs be-

It’s not often that we have the chance to drive a totally new van these days, which makes it even more important to spend real time with the vehicle, says Dan Gilkes.

“

The ID. Buzz is incredibly smooth, offering a comfortable ride on even the worst of the UK’s roads.

neath, but is well designed, with flat sides and a 1,230mm floor width between the wheel arches that will fit 8x4 sheet materials. At least it will widthways. Unfortunately, if you do try to carry an 8x4 sheet, it will stick out of the back and you won’t be able to shut the door, particularly in this lift-up hatchback model, as the floor length is slightly short, at just 2,208mm.

That is not the only disappointing bit about the ID. Buzz as a load carrier. The real elephant in the room is payload, with this Commerce Plus model limited to just 592kg. Of course, not everyone wants to run at full weight, but if you do need load carrying capability, that in itself might be enough to rule the VW out of the running.

In the cab

If the Cargo looks funky outside, it offers an equally enticing interior. There are two trim levels, Commerce and Commerce Plus. Both get that 10” colour touchscreen in the centre of the dash and a smaller driver’s screen that sits above the steering wheel. Both are configurable and offer clear, easy to read information.

The van is future-proofed, with full smartphone connectivity, a DAB radio and a streaming and internet function. You also get plenty of USB-C charging ports. ID. Buzz comes with Car 2X networking capability too, allowing the vehicle to communicate with others on the road to warn of hold-ups.

There is a host of ADAS safety kit on board and the van gets LED headlights and rear lights as standard. The smallest set of wheels available are 18” steel with trims, while this Commerce Plus gets 19” bi-colour alloys as part of its standard trim. Commerce Plus also adds a leatherette covering for the multi-function steering wheel, Discover Pro navigation, heated mirrors, a heated windscreen and even more ADAS safety and driver assistance.

All of which is very good. However, we’ve criticised VW’s haptic sliders for

volume and temperature-control before and they don’t get any better with familiarity. The company has also decided to combine wiper functions with the indicator stalk, giving the wipers small click controls that are just not as easy to operate as a separate lever. It all feels like technology for the sake of it and you wonder what was so wrong with a conventional rotary dial or steering column mounted stalk.

On the road

If the ID. Buzz shines in the showroom, it is even more convincing on the move. Just push the starter button, select drive and off you go. The van is incredibly smooth, offering a comfortable ride on even the worst of the UK’s pock-marked local roads. The VW simply coasts along on a wave of torque. Everything feels incredibly well screwed together and there were none of the creaks and groans from cabin trim that can sometimes become more noticeable when they are not masked by engine noise. Indeed, irritating user interface aside, the ID. Buzz Cargo offers a cab environment that few drivers would find fault with.

Conclusion

There seems little doubt that Volkswagen has a huge hit on its hands with the ID. Buzz. It has been well received across Europe and the manufacturer can’t built the vans, or their people-car-

rying counterparts, fast enough. In the week that we had the van, it attracted massive attention wherever we went, from supermarket car park to builders’ merchant’s yard.

However, while there will be plenty of businesses keen to exploit the looks of the van, those who value practicality may be less keen. For a vehicle of this size, the payload really could be borderline for many operators. Then of course, there is the cost. The basic price without VAT starts at £43,875, though that’s also before the Plug-in Van Grant, which at the time of writing was still pending.

After a week with the VW, the ID. Buzz Cargo continues to impress. It is a very good small to medium electric van. It’s not perfect, but the attraction for many will be so strong that, perhaps, that may not be the end of the world.

VanUser rating - 4.5

VW ID. Buzz Cargo Commerce Plus

Basic price £43,875 Motor Electric RWD Power 150kW Torque 310Nm

WEIGHTS (KG) GVW 3,000 Kerb weight 2,408 Payload 592

DIMENSIONS (MM) Load space length 2,208 Load space width 1,732 Width between wheelarches 1,230 Load space height 1,257 Load volume 3.9m3

COST CONSIDERATIONS Battery Capacity 77kWh CO2 0g/100km Range (WLTP) 254 Service interval 2 years/ unlimited miles Warranty 3 years/100,000 miles Battery Warranty 8 years/100,000 miles

“ Everything feels incredibly well screwed together and there were none of the creaks and groans from cabin trim

Overload Protection Load Optimisation

Gross/axle

TRANSIT TRIUMPH!

TRANSIT TRIUMPH!

As long-time market leader, an electric version of Ford’s Transit had to be right from day one. Fortunately, the company seems to have got it spot on, says Dan Gilkes.

We are no stranger to Ford’s electric Transit, having driven the van on the International launch in Barcelona last year and then again on the roads around the firm’s Dunton site in Essex. This is the first time that we’ve had the chance to spend some real time with the E-Transit though and, not only did it reinforce our first impressions, but the van just seems to get better with familiarity.

Powertrain

Equipped with a 68kWh battery, the E-Transit is powered by a choice of 135 or 198kW electric motors, driving through the rear axle. That’s 184hp or a fairly serious 269hp in old money and the motor also creates a healthy 430Nm of torque from standstill, providing the

big Transit with more than adequate acceleration. Indeed, on loose surfaces it is easy to spin the rear wheels when unladen, if you try to pull away too quickly.

For this L3H2 van Ford promises a 156-mile range overall, rising to up to 244 miles of city driving. Certainly, you rarely have range anxiety in the big Ford when driving around town or on inter-urban journeys. The recharging point sits just below the Ford logo on the front grille, with a panel opening up to allow AC and high-speed DC charging.

The van can take up to 11.3kW AC charging, delivering a 100% top-up in 8.2 hours. Pull up to a higher speed DC rapid charger and the van can cope with up to 115kW in-

puts, offering a 15-80% charge in just 34 minutes, or during a lunch break.

There are three driving modes, accessed through the 12” central SYNC4 touchscreen. Normal provides plenty of power for everyday use. Eco maximises battery range by reducing acceleration, top speed and climate control performance. Lastly, there is a Slippery mode, which improves traction in low grip conditions by increasing ESC intervention, boosting the Traction Control and smoothing out throttle inputs.

There is also a button marked L in the centre of the rotary gear selector. This brings in maximum brake regen-

...continued overleaf

“

If future electric vans are as good as the E-Transit, then Ford has little to worry about.

ROAD TEST | FORD E-TRANSIT

eration. For those that want to power tools or conversions, Ford offers the E-Transit with Pro Power Onboard, a 2.3kW electrical feed to the rear of the van that should reduce the need to carry portable power generation to site.

Load carrying capacity

The electric van is offered in 25 different models at the moment, including panel vans in L2, L3 and L4 lengths, with a choice of H2 and H3 roof heights. There is also a double-cab van in L3, with either roof height, or you can have chassis cabs in L3 and L4 lengths. The vans come with gross weights of 3.5, 2.9 and 4.24 tonnes, while the double cab can only be had in the two heavier weights. Chassis cabs are offered in all three weights, to suit a wide range of customers and conversions.

This 350 van, in L3H2 layout, offers a 10.2m3 load volume and a not unreasonable 980kg of payload at 3.5-tonne gross weight. Take things to the maximum, with the 4.25-tonne van and that load carrying ability rises to a hefty 1,701kg. There is currently no towing option with the E-Transit.

In the cab

E-Transit can be had in entry-level Leader trim, or in the higher Trend specification and either model can be ordered with the choice of motor outputs. The Leader van gets powered and heated door mirrors, remote locking, projector-style headlights and 16” steel wheels externally. Inside, the driver gets the 12” SYNC4 infotainment system, a Quickclear heated windscreen, heated front seats, electric windows and a four-way adjustable driver’s seat.

Opt for the Trend trim that we have here and you add front fog lights, full

Pre-Collision Assist with Intelligent Emergency Brake Assist, a premium steering wheel, lumbar seat adjustment for the driver and a locking glove box.

Both vans have a large storage area beneath the passenger seat, which is a handy place to keep charging cables. There are also plenty of places to store documents, smartphones and other work tools during the day within the cab.

On the road

Getting going is a simple matter in the E-Transit. Climb in and push the power button to bring the van to life, then simply rotate the gear selector to D for forward travel and release the electric handbrake. There is a short-cut button on the dash to get you to the drive mode selection menu in the 12” screen, but it still feels like a lot of unnecessary screen prodding when you could simply press a switch on the dash instead.

Once underway, the E-Transit is a pleasure to drive. As mentioned, it has no shortage of acceleration and the big van will cruise quietly on dual carriageways without any fuss. It is of course at home in urban traffic, smoothly keeping pace with other vehicles and the e-van has enough regenerative braking, particularly if you press the L button in the gear selector.

Conclusion

When you have the sort of market share that Ford enjoys with the Transit family, making big changes to the product calls for real confidence in the new vehicle. The company was certainly in no hurry to jump into the electric van market, though it has now gone in with both feet, promising a raft of electric vans by 2025. If they are all as good as the E-Transit, then Ford has little to worry about.

The electric van market is moving rapidly, with new battery and driveline technology bringing additional driving range and carrying capacity. For the time being however, the E-Transit is the one for others to beat.

VanUser rating - 5.0

Ford E-Transit

VAN

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