New LDV EV30 small electric van uncovered at CV Show
The new small electric LDV EV30 van leads the brand's expansion into the UK market
This is the new LDV EV30 small electric van. The model was revealed at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, and it joins the electric EV80 in LDV's line-up. In terms of size, the new small van is a rival to models such as the Renault Kangoo ZE and Nissan e-NV200.
The EV30 is built in China, and the UK will be the first export market it will be launched in when it arrives in 2020. It comes in long and short wheelbase variants, while LDV claims a maximum range of up to 200 miles on a single charge. That's with a 53kWh battery fitted, while a cheaper variant with a 35kWh battery will also be offered. This version has a claimed driving range of 127 miles. A lithium-ion power pack is used, while fast charging is claimed to take as little as 45 minutes, while an AC charge can take 5 hours.
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From the outside, the EV30 has a smooth look, while the boxy shape delivers function over form. There's a smooth nose with a charging flap, similar to that found on the e-NV200, while black plastic wheelarch trims break up the van shape.
An 85kW (114bhp) electric motor is fitted which drives the front wheels, while the van has a cargo volume of 5 cubic metres as standard and 6 cubic metres in the long wheelbase model, the latter is extended by 600mm between the axles. Payloads are 600kg and one tonne respectively.
When the EV30 is for sale in the UK at the start of 2020, it will come with barn-style rear doors, twin sliding side doors and the option to fit a twin passenger seat. Prices are planned to start from around £22,000, making the EV30 one of the cheapest routes to electric vehicle ownership available in the UK.
Is a range of 200 miles enough for an all-electric van? Let us know your thoughts below...