Top commercial EVs coming to Australia

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The new-generation Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric light commercial van will replace the current ageing Kangoo Z.E. that’s been on sale locally since 2017, but dates back to 2011. It was Australia’s only commercial EV model until last year.

Overseas specifications for the new Kangoo point to a larger 45kWh usable battery delivering up to 285km of claimed WLTP driving range, while recharging at up to 11kW AC and 80kW DC rates. Renault hasn’t detailed whether the range claim is with or without a load, but it’s likely the latter.

It is front-wheel drive with a single electric motor producing 51kW of power and 245Nm of torque.

The new Kangoo EV is a marked step up from its predecessor, featuring a new passenger car platform, overhauled exterior and interior design, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and the inclusion of active safety assistance systems.

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French automaker Peugeot has confirmed the e-Partner light van will arrive in the first-half of this year, signalling its first full battery-electric model in Australia.

It's confirmed to use a 50kWh gross battery locally, with overseas specs claiming up to 275km of WLTP range, 7.4kW AC (11kW AC optional) and 100kW DC charging.

The e-Partner is powered by a motor making 100kW and 260Nm, with power driving the front wheels.

Directly rivalling the forthcoming Renault Kangoo E-Tech, it will be sold locally as a long wheelbase variant only. The Peugeot EV has up to 3.9-cubic metres of cargo space, dual rear barn doors, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

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Ford is set to launch its first EV in Australia in March with the e-Transit large cargo delivery van.

It is home to a 67kWh usable battery offering an estimated 317km WLTP range – specifically suitable for driving in urban areas and fixed routes, according to Ford Australia’s website. The carmaker hasn’t specified whether the range claim is laden or unladen.

The LDV eDeliver 9 competitor can recharge at up to 11.3kW AC and 115kW DC speeds on a compatible EV charger, while vehicle-to-load (V2L) power plugs at the rear can power any tool or device at up to 2.3kW.

The Ford e-Transit is rear-wheel drive with an electric motor producing 198kW and 430Nm. It will be sold exclusively in 420-litre long wheelbase form with mid-roof or high-roof configurations and a targeted 1616kg payload – but retains the same 12.4-cubic metre cargo volume as the diesel-powered version.

Key features on the large electric delivery van include a 12-inch Sync 4 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, FordPass Connect mobile app, and scheduled cabin pre-conditioning.

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Hyundai will launch its first electric truck Down Under with the ‘Mighty’ landing in mid-2023 to join the Ioniq 5 electric SUV, Ioniq 6 electric sports sedan and Kona Electric SUV.

The light electric truck is designed for urban and ‘last-mile’ deliveries with its 114.5kWh battery providing up to 240km driving range when laden with cargo.

While local specifications haven’t been finalised yet, the South Korean automaker does indicate it will be front-wheel drive with a motor producing 120kW and 320Nm, has a maximum speed of 100km/h, and will be capable of DC fast charging.

The Hyundai Mighty EV will launch with a 4x2 3300mm wheelbase, 7300kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) variant at launch capable of a 3500kg payload. Cab-chassis, tray or pantech (regular or refrigerated) configurations will join later on.

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For companies that want to extend the lifespan of their current petrol and diesel commercial vehicle fleets, Brisbane startup ROEV is offering electric ute conversion retrofits.

ROEV will start converting Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger utes this year for a limited number of fleet customers, priced from $47,990 to $57,990 on top of the vehicle price.

It’s available for any 4x2 or 4x4 HiLux and Ranger between model-years 2016 to 2022. Two battery pack sizes are on offer providing up to 240km or 360km of driving range, 11kW AC and 80kW DC charging rates, and a V2L discharging plug.

Meanwhile, Melbourne-founded SEA Electric has signed a memorandum of understanding with MEVCO to supply retrofitted battery-electric Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser 70 Series utes to Australian mining companies – and 8500 examples are committed on order for the next five years.

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The electric commercial vehicle segment will continue to grow as companies seek to improve their environmental, social and governance (ESG), cut operating costs, and take advantage of fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption for eligible more affordable models that fall under the luxury car tax (LCT) threshold.

Commercial EVs expected to launch in Australia include:

• Ford e-Transit Custom medium electric van – 2024
• Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo medium electric van – mid-2024 (targeted)
• Mercedes-Benz eSprinter large electric van – 2024 or later
• Renault Master E-Tech large electric van – 2024
• Rivian R1T medium electric ute – under consideration
• Tesla Cybertruck large electric ute – maybe sometime…

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Currently, commercial EVs in Australia don’t offer impressive driving range, power figures and are pricier – partly because they’re often based on ageing existing internal combustion engine platforms – but allow fleets to slash their operating costs over time.

But, these models are currently on sale in Australia as at publication:

• LDV eT60 medium electric ute – from $92,990 before on-road costs
• LDV eDeliver 9 large electric van – from $99,990 before on-road costs
• Mercedes-Benz eVito medium electric van – from $89,353 before on-road costs
• Volvo FL Electric medium electric truck
• Volvo FE Electric medium electric truck
• Daimler Fuso eCanter light electric truck
• SEA Electric 300-45/300-85/500 retrofitted Hino electric trucks