Today, we take a look at three new commercial vehicles from China, also known as the Middle Kingdom. Two vans from BYD and a compact pickup from the SAIC Group are ready to enter the European market.
When it comes to larger electric vans, there are currently not many available, though several are on the way. Renault is leading the charge with its latest Master, alongside the new batch of vans from the Stellantis Group (Opel e-Movano, Toyota ProAce MAX, etc.). For a long time, SAIC Motors has been the frontrunner in Europe, having introduced the Maxus e-Deliver 9 a few years ago.
At the lower end of the scale, BYD’s first offering, the small eTP3, could be found among electric vans in Europe, although it never gained much traction in Scandinavia. Now, BYD is testing the waters again with a larger van, unveiled at the annual IAA commercial vehicle fair in Hannover. This could be the beginning of their European journey.
BYD E-VALI
The new van is called the E-VALI, a vehicle stretching almost 7 meters (6,995 mm for the long version and 5,995 mm for the shorter one).
It has a payload capacity between 700 and 1,450 kg, and the cargo space measures between 13.9 and 17.9 cubic meters. The E-VALI is available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and it is powered by an 80.6 kWh battery.
However, its range is up to just 250 km, which is far from the best in class. For instance, the Renault Master E-Tech offers up to 460 km, more than double what BYD can currently provide.
Maxus e-Deliver 5
The second vehicle is from SAIC and its MAXUS brand, presenting the new e-Deliver 5. This small van is positioned between the e-Deliver 3 and e-Deliver 7.
It will arrive in Europe soon and is set to compete in the compact electric van segment, where Ford and Volkswagen have just introduced electric versions of the Transporter and Transit. The e-Deliver 5 is built on a new platform called MILA. It has a payload of up to 1,190 kg and a towing capacity of 1,500 kg.
In China, it comes with a modest 51 kWh battery and only 100 hp. However, the European version will feature a larger 64 kWh battery, delivering around 161 hp and 240 Nm of torque. Its most notable feature is its estimated range of 335 km.
Maxus eTerron 9
The final vehicle is also from SAIC Motors and Maxus. Last year, MAXUS introduced Europe’s first electric pickup, the T90 EV. While it hasn’t seen great success, they are now launching a more compact pickup called the eTerron 9.
This is the production version of the concept vehicle, MAXUS GST, which was revealed last year at the Shanghai Motor Show. Unfortunately, not much information has been released about the eTerron 9, but we know that it measures 5,630 mm in length, positioning it within the same size category as the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV and possibly an electric version of the Toyota Hilux.
Unlike the T90 EV, which was rear-wheel drive, the eTerron 9 will come standard with all-wheel drive. It will also pack plenty of power, with an expected output of up to 450 hp from a 102 kWh battery. The eTerron 9 will have a payload of up to 650 kg and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.
New rulers for 2025?
As China continues to expand its presence in the global automotive market, these new electric commercial vehicles showcase its ability to innovate and compete with established brands.
BYD and SAIC’s offerings mark an important step toward greener transport solutions in Europe, offering options that meet diverse business needs. While the competition remains tough, especially with established players like Renault and Ford, these Chinese brands are clearly intent on making a mark. The coming years will reveal whether they can secure a significant foothold in the European market.
