Maxus EV80, the first major rival to the Nissan e-NV200 to hit the market

One hundred percent electric and therefore zero emissions, which exceptionally qualifies them to carry out delivery work in the city centre areas of major cities. Electric vans are increasingly necessary in the growing urban distribution sector, yet to date the market has barely any models capable of meeting this growing demand.

Just as it did with the Qashqai in the SUV and crossover market, Nissan caught the rest of the manufacturers off guard, first with the Leaf in passenger cars and later with the e-NV200 in light commercial vehicles, which has given it years of advantage in this market segment over its rivals, many of whom have yet to launch the models that will have to compete with those of the Japanese giant.

And while these prepare their models, one brand gets ahead of everyone and launches a complete range of zero-emission electric vans. Maxus, a manufacturer of British origin and currently a 100 percent subsidiary of the Chinese giant SAIC, will present its new EV80 range of zero-emission electric vans at the Hannover Fair at the end of this same month of September, while also announcing the details of a new and significant strategic alliance for the introduction of its vehicles into the European market.

Different formats and variants for every business need

Available both as a standard van and in chassis cab, high-roof van and various formats specially designed to facilitate boarding for passengers in wheelchairs, the new Maxus EV80 range offers a range of up to 200 kilometres thanks to the energy stored in its high-capacity Life PO4 lithium-ion batteries, which can be fully recharged in a maximum of just two hours using the CCS fast-charging system. The Maxus EV80’s plug-in drivetrain is also standard-compatible with conventional AC and DC chargers.

The Maxus EV80 can carry up to 8 passengers in addition to the driver in its passenger transport configuration. All of them will travel comfortably thanks to the generous interior space and equipment that includes air conditioning, electric windows, ABS, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors, rear parking sensors, a 10-inch infotainment screen, etc., all of which are available either as standard or optionally.

In the “work” versions, it stands out for both its practicality and, especially, the broad versatility offered by the different models and combinations available in the range. This is due in part to the generous interior space and load capacity that the EV80 offers. In its standard configuration, the cargo area has a length of 3,300 mm, a width of 1,770 mm and a height of 1,710 mm (1,920 in the high-roof variants), accessible through either the rear or side doors. The EV80’s load capacity is 950 kg and, starting with the chassis cab variants, the bodywork can be built to the exact specifications the customer requires.

Present in various Asian markets for some years now—where the reliability of its technology has already been widely proven—the first deliveries of the Maxus EV80 have already begun in some European markets (Germany, Austria and the Netherlands), to be followed soon by others, Spain among them. For the different European markets, Maxus expects range prices to start at €47,500 (excluding VAT).

“Thanks to its excellent range, its zero-emission engine and the short charging time it requires, the new Maxus EV80 is an ideal solution for companies operating large van fleets. Our model helps them reduce the fleet’s operating costs while also lowering their company’s carbon footprint so that they can comply with the increasingly strict emissions regulations being introduced in European cities,” says Pieter Gabriëlis, managing director of SAIC Mobility Europe, the company responsible for introducing SAIC’s various ranges and products in Europe.

Although little known, Maxus is not a new brand on the market, as it has more than 120 years of history. Maxus is the direct heir of the legendary British-origin BMC (British Motor Company) and LEDV (Leyland DAF Van), birthplace of the famous Morris and of models that achieved fame and prestige in the 1960s and 70s. SAIC, the Chinese automotive giant and the world’s 7th largest car manufacturer, acquired both companies.

SAIC is the current owner of brands such as MG and Rover, as well as a priority partner in Asia for brands such as Volkswagen, Skoda, Chevrolet, Iveco and Cadillac, for which it produces some of the vehicles those brands sell in Asian markets at its factories.