The interior differs slightly from the regular unit and perhaps the most noticeable (and a feature I really liked), was the range indicator that’s located beside the speedometer. Just a quick glance tells you precisely how many miles you can travel on the available power. It’s like having a huge fuel gauge in front of you!
Of course, with a range of just 128 kilometres on a charge, this vehicle’s not going to suit everyone’s needs, but for those operating a local scheduled delivery service, it might be worth calculating the typical daily mileage. When said quickly, 128 km may not sound like a lot, but if one pays close attention to the odometer, you’ll discover that it takes a long time to travel that distance when weaving through city traffic.
Performance wise, I’d say that the acceleration is actually better than the standard gasoline-powered model, and yet the power is delivered as smooth as silk.
Now, I wasn’t given the opportunity to hurtle my test vehicle around corners with wild abandonment, but from what I did manage, I’d say it possibly has the edge over the gas model in that department as well. This might have something to do with the rear underfloor location of the battery, and its effect on the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Of course, being a commercial van, perhaps the most anticipated specification is payload capacity which, according to official estimates, is 1,000 lbs or just under half a ton. Whilst that number may not work for every business, it is a significant amount given the size of the vehicle.
In fact, having come from a building trade family background, I would actually opt for this vehicle over a regular half-ton pickup, simply because of the ease of cargo access. After all, it boasts two large side-loading doors, two fold-back rear doors, and a fairly low floor height; whereas the standard pickup often involves loading up the tailgate, and then clambering up into the bed to move the cargo forward (one of the downsides of making trucks taller).
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| Inside, the most noticeable (and a feature I really liked), was the range indicator that’s located beside the speedometer. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan/Auto123.com) |
Of course, with a range of just 128 kilometres on a charge, this vehicle’s not going to suit everyone’s needs, but for those operating a local scheduled delivery service, it might be worth calculating the typical daily mileage. When said quickly, 128 km may not sound like a lot, but if one pays close attention to the odometer, you’ll discover that it takes a long time to travel that distance when weaving through city traffic.
Performance wise, I’d say that the acceleration is actually better than the standard gasoline-powered model, and yet the power is delivered as smooth as silk.
Now, I wasn’t given the opportunity to hurtle my test vehicle around corners with wild abandonment, but from what I did manage, I’d say it possibly has the edge over the gas model in that department as well. This might have something to do with the rear underfloor location of the battery, and its effect on the vehicle’s center of gravity.
Of course, being a commercial van, perhaps the most anticipated specification is payload capacity which, according to official estimates, is 1,000 lbs or just under half a ton. Whilst that number may not work for every business, it is a significant amount given the size of the vehicle.
In fact, having come from a building trade family background, I would actually opt for this vehicle over a regular half-ton pickup, simply because of the ease of cargo access. After all, it boasts two large side-loading doors, two fold-back rear doors, and a fairly low floor height; whereas the standard pickup often involves loading up the tailgate, and then clambering up into the bed to move the cargo forward (one of the downsides of making trucks taller).
 |
| The most anticipated specification is payload capacity which, according to official estimates, is 1,000 lbs or just under half a ton. (Photo: Kevin Corrigan/Auto123.com) |