Vans and Pickups: The Eastern Invasion of 2025
The commercial vehicle market is undergoing a significant shift, mirroring the changes seen in the passenger car sector. Eastern brands, particularly those from China and South Korea, are making substantial inroads into European markets. This trend is further accelerated by the capabilities of electric vehicles (EVs), which allow these manufacturers to produce vehicles that better meet the needs of the European market, especially given stringent emission restrictions that make it increasingly difficult for manufacturers to adapt internal combustion engines to meet regulations.
Electric drive is a central theme for many models expected on roads in 2025. The IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover served as a major showcase for the latest innovations, offering a glimpse into the future of commercial vehicles.
Kia PV5 EV
One of the most highly anticipated vans for 2025 is the all-electric Kia PV5, a modular van showcasing significant advancements in efficiency and adaptability. The PV5 was initially previewed in the US and later exhibited as a concept in Hanover. Production is scheduled to begin in summer 2025, and like Kia’s passenger cars, it will be offered with a 7-year/150,000 km warranty.
The PV5 features a 4.65-meter-long design with a fixed front and passenger compartment, and it has a rear section that can be configured in various ways, attached to the chassis via hydraulic and electromagnetic connections. The EV uses a nickel-manganese-cobalt traction battery, offering a range of approximately 250 miles. Kia is also developing a lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery aiming to reduce production costs, although no official announcements on its release have been made yet. Rapid charging is a crucial feature, with DC charging speeds up to 150 kW and AC charging up to 22 kW. This allows the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
BYD E-Vali
BYD is also launching an offensive in the light commercial vehicle sector in Europe with the E-Vali, an all-electric van showcased at the IAA Transportation exhibition. Expected to arrive in Europe in 2025, the E-Vali is designed to offer a range of 155 miles on the WLTP cycle. The base version is 6 meters long, 2.09 meters wide, and 2.78 meters high, with a wheelbase of 3.87 meters. The larger versions can be up to 7 meters long. The cargo area can be customized to suit varied business needs, and the interior design mirrors the aesthetic of BYD’s passenger cars. Two power ratings have been announced: 136 PS and 204 PS for rear-wheel and four-wheel drive models, respectively, offering top speeds of 55 mph and 75 mph.
Both models will come with an 80.64 kWh battery compatible with AC charging up to 22 kW and DC charging up to 188 kW. The weight varies from 3.5 tons for the more compact model to 4.25 tons for the long-wheelbase version, which is drivable under a B license. Load capacity increases from 700 kg to 1,450 kg, depending on the version.
Hyundai and Iveco eMoovy
Though not a ‘pure’ entry, the collaboration between historic Italian brand Iveco and Hyundai is notable, as they are almost leveraging South Korean expertise to create an electric van that extends Iveco’s product line. The Iveco eMoovy is built primarily on the mechanics of the Hyundai Staria. The eMoovy boasts a particularly robust body structure designed to protect the driver, cargo, and batteries.
The chassis is adaptable for a variety of body styles and accommodates payloads up to 1.5 tons. It features a low floor to optimize space and load versatility, offering a payload capacity of up to 10 cubic meters. The 160 kW (215 hp) electric motor delivers a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The eMoovy is available with a choice of two battery packs: 76 kWh and 63 kWh. The 76 kWh battery provides a range of up to 200 miles in the WLTP cycle, with fast charging up to 350 kW, adding a range of up to 62 miles in less than 10 minutes.
Farizon SV
Geely, a Chinese manufacturer, has partnered with Jameel Motors to bring the Farizon SV to the UK market. The first batch is planned for 2025, offering ‘smart’ and environmentally friendly vehicles equipped with cutting-edge technology. The Farizon SV achieved high marks in the EuroNCAP tests. The vehicle uses ‘cell-to-pack’ technology to maximize battery capacity by 10% within the same space, improving its lightness and chassis stiffness.
The vehicle also features a dual-redundant drive-by-wire system, allowing for faster braking, more accurate steering, and an improved range, even when carrying heavier loads. The Farizon SV is offered in three lengths, three heights, and two battery sizes (67 kWh and 83 kWh). A more powerful 106 kWh option will be added later. While pricing and specifications have not been announced, the partnership plans to expand into markets beyond the UK.
Maxus eDeliver 5
Maxus, a brand part of the SAIC Motors Group, is looking to improve its success with the new eDeliver 5. The vehicle claims to premiere in Italy at Transpotec 2024, and it offers many unique features for an EV.
The eDeliver 5 has a simple, compact exterior design and a cargo compartment with an interior volume between 6.6 and 7.6 cubic meters and a load capacity up to 1,200 kg. The van is equipped with three seats in the cab and a double sliding side door. It is powered by an electric motor with unspecified power; however, the manufacturer claims that it can deliver about 20% more power than its competitors. The eDeliver5 makes use of a new battery technology to improve range and charging times.
B-ON Pelkan
The Pelkan B-ON is a van that combines appealing design with advanced functionality. Based on the Streetscooter platform in collaboration with Chery, the lightweight aluminum body saves 200 kg. The interior offers an ergonomic design with full connectivity with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.
It is offered in the two versions, Pelkan 43 and Pelkan 54, with a range of 140 miles and 173 miles, respectively, and a payload of up to 1,350 kg. The 7.1-cubic-meter cargo space is optimized for efficiency with wide-opening rear doors and a non-slip floor. Floor-mounted batteries provide a superior driving experience, and regenerative braking technology maximizes range. The advanced B-ON Connect software optimizes fleet management by analyzing consumption and performance. Scalable energy storage units (EES) reduce costs, integrate renewable energy, and optimize the ecological footprint. Pricing starts at €34,000 (£28,600) plus VAT when confirmed.
Pick-up Trucks
Pick-up trucks also show the influence of Chinese and Korean combinations, with electric versions emerging. BYD has launched the Shark in this segment, although it’s not clear if it will be marketed in Europe. Kia, with the Tasman, has also entered the market, though without an official announcement for the West. Another pickup is the Foton Tunland V9, and there’s also the Maxus eTerron 9, which is fully electric and is expected to be available in 2025.
