Electric Light Commercial Vehicle Sales Surge in Australia
Electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales in Australia have experienced significant growth since 2016 when only four Renault Kangoo Z.E. units were sold. The market has expanded to include over half a dozen brands offering battery-electric vans in various sizes.
The electric commercial segment is expected to flourish further with the introduction of all-electric dual cabs, although currently, there’s only one such model available – the LDV eT60. In 2023, 212 electric vans were sold, a number that pales in comparison to the 87,005 electric passenger vehicles and SUVs sold during the same period.
Steven Bragg, partner and motor industry service lead at Pitcher Partners in Sydney, notes that the decision to adopt electric vans is primarily financial. “It’s a financial equation – a pure economic decision,” he says. The higher purchase price and lower resale value compared to internal combustion engine equivalents pose significant barriers to entry.
Small Electric Vans
The smallest segment, accounting for about 2000 sales across all makes and powertrains in 2023, features two main competitors: the Renault Kangoo E-Tech and the Peugeot e-Partner. The Kangoo E-Tech offers a 286km WLTP range and is priced from $61,990. The Peugeot e-Partner, priced from $59,990, boasts a 750kg payload and a 258km WLTP range.
Midsize One-Tonners
The LDV eDeliver7, launched in 2024, is the most affordable battery-powered van in its segment, priced from $63,990. It offers a range of up to 362km and load space between 5.9 and 8.7 cubic meters. Other models in this segment include the Mercedes eVito, Peugeot e-Expert, and the forthcoming Ford E-Transit Custom and Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo.
Large Electric Vans
Ford’s E-Transit and LDV’s eDeliver9 are among the largest electric vans available, with the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter also entering the market. The E-Transit offers a 307km WLTP range and the same load area as its diesel counterpart. The LDV eDeliver9 provides a 280km range but is speed-limited to 90km/h.
Future Electric Vans
Several new electric van models are expected to enter the Australian market, including the Ford E-Transit Courier and the Toyota HiAce electric prototype, anticipated in 2025. Hyundai is also rumored to be working on a battery-electric version of its Staria Load.
The electric van segment is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing options and improving charging infrastructure. As Christine Wagner, General Manager, Fleet and Upfitting at Ford Australia, noted, “Electrification is a focus, but it can’t come at the cost of reduced fleet efficiency or performance.”
