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    Electric Delivery Vans: A Look at the Latest Models and Innovations

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    Electric Delivery Vans: A Look at the Latest Models and Innovations

    Electrification in the automotive industry has expanded beyond passenger vehicles to include commercial vehicles. Delivery vans are a prime target for this shift, given their typical daily mileage falls well within the capabilities of modern battery technology.

    Here’s the lowdown on some of the major players in the electric van market.

    Tesla Robovan

    Tesla estimates the Robovan to have an incredibly low travel cost of just 5-10 cents per mile.
    Tesla estimates the Robovan to have an incredibly low travel cost of just 5-10 cents per mile.

    The Tesla Robovan boasts a futuristic, driverless design. Its exterior is sleek and streamlined, reminiscent of art deco trains. It does not have a traditional windshield, however, it looks to have transparent glass panels at the front and rear. These panels could use electrochromic technology to become transparent when needed. The van has a trunk at each end. Tesla is considering an optional solar power canopy that would triple the roof’s surface area. The interior is designed like a lounge, and includes comfortable seats, ambient lighting, a flat floor, and two large screens. The cabin can accommodate as many as 20 people, and Tesla is considering a goods-transporting commercial version. Tesla projects travel costs to be a mere 5-10 cents per mile. Tesla has not announced a release date, but it’s estimated to be available by 2028.

    USPS Electric Mail Truck

    USPS’ design parameters, not Oshkosh Defense’s limitations, have led to a quirky design for the NGDV.
    USPS’ design parameters, not Oshkosh Defense’s limitations, have led to a quirky design for the NGDV.

    Oshkosh Defense has developed the ‘Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV)’ for the United States Postal Service (USPS). While some companies are innovating with modern designs, this vehicle has a unique, boxy appearance. Safety features include front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, a blind spot warning system, and an automatic electronic parking brake. A surveillance camera, air conditioning, and a walk-in cargo area are designed to provide driver comfort. The NGDV will be available in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric variants. The company has started delivering the ICE variant to USPS in May 2024. USPS plans to purchase at least 60,000 NGDVs, with a minimum of 45,000 being electric by 2028.

    Ford E-Transit

    The Ford E-Transit is America’s best-selling electric van and could see even higher demand with the planned improvement in the range, a crucial factor for most customers when deciding on their EV.
    The Ford E-Transit is America’s best-selling electric van and could see even higher demand with the planned improvement in the range, a crucial factor for most customers when deciding on their EV.

    Ford began shipping the E-Transit electric van in February 2022. In 2022, the E-Transit became the top-selling electric van in the U.S. Sales jumped by 18% in 2023, cementing its position as a market leader. Ford plans to increase the E-Transit’s range by installing new battery cells, starting in mid-2025. The E-Transit comes in six configurations, using an 89 kWh lithium-ion battery and a single electric motor that provides 266 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, offering a range of up to 159 miles depending on the configuration.

    New Ford Electric Van (2026)

    Ford announced in August 2024 that they will start producing a new electric van at the Ohio Assembly Plant in 2026. This van is expected to target a new segment, further expanding Ford’s offerings in the electric van market.

    Rivian EDV

    While initially, the EDVs borrow a dual motor but FWD layout from the R1T, future models would be available with a single motor, too.
    While initially, the EDVs borrow a dual motor but FWD layout from the R1T, future models would be available with a single motor, too.

    The Rivian electric van is built on the R1’s skateboard chassis, offering three versions: EDV 500, EDV 700, and EDV 900, which are named after their cargo capacities. Future models could be available with a single motor, too. Amazon deployed Rivian electric delivery vans in 2022, with over 15,000 units on the road as of July 2024. Amazon plans to acquire a total of 100,000 EDVs from Rivian. Rivian has also adapted the terms & conditions with Amazon to sell commercial vans to other customers. Rivian has started using an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery pack in the EDV to reduce costs and potentially improve supply stability. The Rivian Commercial Van offers LED headlights, a sliding door, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, two wireless charging pads, a 360-degree camera system, and various driver assistance systems. The Rivian Commercial Van is priced from USD 83,000 (500 version) to USD 87,000 (700 version).

    AT&T is the first customer of the Rivian Commercial Van.
    AT&T is the first customer of the Rivian Commercial Van.

    Chevrolet BrightDrop 400

    The BrightDrop Zevo 400 and BrightDrop Zevo 600, originally called BrightDrop 410 and BrightDrop 600, have been renamed in 2024 to Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and Chevrolet BrightDrop 400. Image: GM
    The BrightDrop Zevo 400 and BrightDrop Zevo 600, originally called BrightDrop 410 and BrightDrop 600, have been renamed in 2024 to Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and Chevrolet BrightDrop 400. Image: GM

    Originally conceived in GM’s Innovation Lab in January 2021, BrightDrop became part of Chevrolet in August 2024. The Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 is designed for smaller, frequent deliveries. It offers a cargo area of 412.1 cu. ft. and a maximum payload of up to 3,580 lbs. It uses GM’s Ultium battery and drive technology. Available in FWD and AWD variants, it delivers a range of 159 miles. With a bigger battery pack in the AWD variant, it can travel up to 272 miles. Production occurs at the GM CAMI Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.

    Mercedes Premium Vans

    The new Mercedes electric vans for commercial use will be based on a dedicated EV platform – VAN.EA-C. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group
    The new Mercedes electric vans for commercial use will be based on a dedicated EV platform – VAN.EA-C. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group

    Mercedes-Benz Vans has confirmed new all-electric premium commercial vans based on a bespoke VAN.EA-C platform. This platform is engineered for electric vehicles. These vans will have superior spaciousness compared to vans based on modified ICE platforms. Powered by MB.OS vehicle software, these electric Mercedes vans will support SAE Level 2 autonomous driving from launch, and they anticipate offering SAE Level 4 by 2030. The first electric Mercedes premium van is anticipated to launch in 2025.

    Kia PV5

    The Kia PV5 is a purpose-built electric vehicle due to arrive in mid-2025, designed specifically for commercial use. It will be offered in several versions, including passenger, delivery (Van), high-roof delivery, and chassis cab variations. Design features include angular vertical DRLs and a modern exterior design. It will feature OTA (Over the Air) and FoD (Feature on Demand) services. The ‘eS’ platform is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) system. The Kia PV5 will travel up to 600 km (373 miles) on a single charge. Kia is planning to produce 150,000 vans in the first full year.

    Kia PV7

    The Kia PV7 will arrive after the PV5 and its Robotaxi version. Image Source: Kia
    The Kia PV7 will arrive after the PV5 and its Robotaxi version. Image Source: Kia

    The Kia PV7 will be a large van, designed for cargo delivery and multi-van uses. It’s designed for major logistics companies, shuttle providers, ride-hailing services, and small businesses. It’s set to launch from the same new factory as the PV5. Kia is planning to set up an exclusive dealership network for commercial vehicles.

    Blue Arc Delivery Van

    The Blue Arc delivery van features an integrated solar roof package. Image Source: The Shyft Group
    The Blue Arc delivery van features an integrated solar roof package. Image Source: The Shyft Group

    The Shyft Group launched its EV brand, Blue Arc, on March 9, 2022. The Blue Arc delivery van has 635-800 cubic feet of cargo space and a payload capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. Its battery capacity ranges from 160-240 kWh. The van features a 360-degree camera system, automated entry, and other safety features. FedEx ordered 150 units after a pilot program, and deliveries are anticipated to start in late 2024.

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