Why Lease The Maxus e Deliver 3?
Chinese firm SAIC recently moved away from the LDV name, with the company’s products branded MAXUS in the UK. Now for the first time they are introducing a fully electric panel van, the Maxus eDeliver 3.
Unveiled in pre-production form at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham, the van was originally called the LDV EV30, but with the rebranding exercise the decision was made that the van would be launched with a new name. Targeting the market dominated by the Nissan e-NV200, the van is bristling with the latest battery technology designed to give the user the ultimate EV van experience when it comes to range and charging.
Specifications & Dimensions
There are two van sizes (SWB and LWB) together with a chassis cab option. Within each van there is a choice of two batteries, a 35kwh pack or the 52.5kwh unit. Opt for the larger one and in the SWB van you’ll benefit from an official (WLTP) city range of 213 miles. Although real world range, especially when carrying a load will be significantly less than this, it does demonstrate that the days of a 60 mile electric van range from some competitors are likely to be consigned to history before too long.
Charging times from a conventional wall charger are 6 and 8 hours respectively for the two battery sizes, and a 45 minute boost will get you from zero to 80% of capacity.
Despite the weight of the batteries and drive train, MAXUS offer an excellent payload of up to 1020kgs, more than some diesel powered vans of similar size. It’s got a really useable loadspace too, the LWB version having a cargo volume of 6.3cu/m and a load length of 3285mm. If you’re planning to tow, a 500kg trailer is permitted by the manufacturer.
Drive & Trim
It’s probably fair to say that the cab interior is more functional and practical than that offered by some of its competitors, but this doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in specification and tech. There’s an 8 inch touch multimedia screen, and a reversing camera combined with parking sensors should help with manoeuvrability in tight urban operations and prevent damage to the vehicle. Air conditioning is provided, and electric windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors complete the package.
The load area has a non slip floor covering and plenty of lashing rings and eyes. The 180 degree opening, 60/40 split rear doors and a side loading door offer easy access.
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