Nissan launches e-NV200 electric van — the shape of things to come?

3 Replies

Nissan has launched its e-NV200 electric van, which the firm claims offers a 106 mile range, a top speed of 76mph and fuel costs as low as 25% those of a diesel-fuelled van.

Nissan e-NV200 electric van

The Nissan e-NV200 electric van

These claims should be more realistic usual, too, as the e-NV200 has been one of the most widely-trialled vehicles of recent years, thanks to trials with a number of large fleet operators.

At least one trial customer, British Gas, has already placed a 100-van order, suggesting that the e-NV200 does live up to expectations.

For my money, Nissan could sell a lot more e-NV200 vans than LEAFs, thanks to the more predictable and repeatable usage cycles of vans, many of which travel less than 60 miles a day on a fixed route, every day for years, returning each night to off-road parking in a secure yard, where they can be easily and safely charged.

Compare that to the average private car usage scenario: vans have the edge, and as I’ve mentioned many times before, I believe vans, not cars, will be the first vehicles to achieve commerical success in the electric vehicle marketplace. Indeed, I’d go so far as to say the the e-NV200 could be the van that tips the balance.

What about the van?

I digress. Getting back to the e-NV200, the van itself is based on Nissan’s NV200 diesel-powered van, while the e-NV200’s drivetrain comes from the Nissan LEAF, the firm’s electric car offering.

Nissan e-NV200 motor

The view under the bonnet — far fewer oily mechanical bits than usual. Plus it’s almost silent.

 

However, it isn’t just mash-up of two existing vehicles — 30% of the e-NV200’s parts are unique to the model, and the chassis, interior, battery pack and regenerative braking system have all be altered from their original (NV200 or LEAF) specifications.

The e-NV200 has a cargo volume of 4.2 cubic metres and can carry two Euro pallets.

Nissan e-NV200 can carry 2 euro pallets

The Nissan e-NV200 can carry two Euro pallets in its 4.2 cubic metre load compartment.

Scheduled maintenance costs are expected to be 40% lower, thanks in part to the lack of engine oil, engine belts and conventional gear box and clutch.

Although the e-NV200 van will be built at Nissan’s plant in Barcelona, the UK — a major European manufacturing base for Nissan — will get some of the action, as Nissan’s battery plant in Sunderland will produce the van’s lithium-ion battery cells.

Nissan e-NV200 cab interior

Inside the cab, it’s almost like a normal van — just a few control differences. Ideal for van drivers switching between vehicles.

The battery can be recharged overnight in 8 hours using a domestic 16-amp single-phase 3.3 kW charger, or in just four hours if the optional 6.6kW/32-amp charger is fitted and a suitable supply is used.

Alternatively, a dedicated CHAdeMO DC 50 kW quick charger can recharge the battery to 80 percent capacity in as little as 30 minutes, if the battery still holds some charge, meaning that e-NV200 can be charged while it is being loaded with goods for another delivery, for example.

In my view, it all adds up — especially as the e-NV200 has been priced in the UK to go head-to-head with diesel vans, with prices starting from just under £14,000.

Nissan e-NV200 plugged in to charge

Used van prices hit new record with 3.5% rise in May

Leave a reply

BCA LCV auction saleDespite my predictions, average values for commercial vehicles reached record levels in May, the fifth time in the last six months a new record has been set according to the latest figures from remarketing specialist BCA.

The vehicle auctioneer said that demand for LCVs remained strong throughout the month, and that top quality stock remained in short supply, contributing to a rise in average sales prices, which rose by 3.5% in May, to £5,587.

Year-on-year values remain well ahead, up by £717 (14.7%) over the twelve month period.  Compared to a year ago, age is static at 58 months, while mileage has decreased marginally over the same period.  Average CAP performance is down slightly compared to May 2013, and May’s sales came in slightly below book, with sale prices averaging 99.79% of the equivalent CAP book prices.

After April’s surprise drop in values, May’s strong performance was a return to normal, according to Duncan Ward, BCA’s General Manager – Commercial Vehicles:

“The market returned strongly in May, with conversion rates improving over April and values rising yet again, despite volumes remaining relatively high.  Competition is typically intense for retail quality used stock, with values rising as a result and BCA Live Online buyers continue to play a significant role, accounting for around 30% of volume sold.”

“There can be little doubt that the improving economic background is giving a boost to the used LCV market, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain positive about future prospects.  As this group are the biggest buyers of used LCVs we should expect demand to remain relatively strong in the months ahead.”

Prices have risen relentless since 2012, as this graph shows — the average LCV sale price at BCA auctions has risen by 31% since April 2012:

BCA Used LCV prices April 2012 - May 2014

BCA Used LCV prices April 2012 – May 2014 (graph courtesy of BCA)

Manheim says shortage of large vans is driving up sales of smaller vans

Leave a reply

Manheim logoCommercial vehicle buyers are purchasing more car-derived vans (CDVs) and small panel vans, due to a chronic lack of larger panel vans (over 3.5t) in the market, according to the latest market analysis from vehicle remarketing firm Manheim.

According to Manheim’s sales figures, the volume of smaller vans entering the used market has risen by around 8% over the last year, while the number of larger panel vans (>3.0t) reaching Manheim’s salerooms has fallen by 14%.

Manheim’s figures show that the that price of a larger panel van (>3.0t) — a traditional fleet workhorse — peaked at £5,297 in May, prompted by continued high demand and a modest fall in average age and mileage, which fell from 62 months to 61 months and 86,062 to 84,510 miles respectively.

Manheim van selling prices May 2013-2014

Average LCV selling prices at Manheim, May 2013-14 (courtesy of Manheim – click to enlarge)

Across the market as a whole, the average value of a used van has risen by 9.2% to £4,741 over the last year, despite an increase in the total volumes of vans hitting the used market, as Matthew Davock, head of LCV at Manheim, explains:

“2014 has seen a continuation of the record levels of demand in the used van market. We have seen two months of significant year on year increases in van de-fleets; these vans have been snapped up by eager buyers looking to secure price range quality stock.

“Interestingly, the mix of vans has changed over the past twelve months, with many more car-derived and small panels vans coming up for sale. Conversely, the lower volumes of larger panel vans we’re seeing is, we believe, driving a shift in buyer behaviour toward smaller vehicles.”

Citroën celebrates 100,000th van fitted with Teletrac telematics

1 Reply
Citroën Relay 35 L3H2 (l) and L1H1 (r)

The new Citroën Relay van — Teletrac telematics is now standard on all Relay, Berlingo and Dispatch vans.

All new Citroën Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay panel vans are now fitted with the Teletrac telematics system as standard, and Citroën recently celebrated the registration of the 100,000th van to be fitted with the system, which was historically an option.

Given that the system is set to become so widespread in UK vans, I thought I should take a closer look at what Teletrac telematics offers van drivers and operators.

Teletrac is part of the Trafficmaster group, the Citroën Teletrac package includes Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking.

It also provides the telematics platform for Teletrac’s optional, low cost, Fleet Director real-time fleet management services.

The latest Teletrac system fitted to Citroën LCVs includes a bigger, higher resolution 5-inch colour screen. This provides greater clarity for the Smartnav map display and the system’s many functions highlighted across the bottom of the screen.

Save 20,000 days per year

Citroën claims that the Teletrac Smartnav package saves the equivalent of circa 20,000 working days per year due to congestion avoidance. During the course of a year, around 4,000,000 routes are downloaded by Citroën LCV drivers. Smartnav Personal Assistants also deal with some 40,000 routing and other queries, including emergency calls.

The Citroën Teletrac system provides significant CO2 reductions and running cost savings through more efficient routing and congestion avoidance. It also reduces driver stress levels by up to 33%, with an associated reduction in risk and improved safety. In addition, the Trackstar stolen vehicle recovery system results in a near-100% recovery rate for stolen Citroën LCVs – the majority of which are recovered within one hour.

Citroën is the only manufacturer in the UK to offer LCVs fitted with stolen vehicle tracking as standard.  Any Trackstar enabled Citroën LCV can be located within moments of it being reported missing. Once a vehicles is confirmed as being stolen, the Trackstar control centre informs the police of the van’s whereabouts – even if it is still moving – allowing the police to have a more detailed and accurate location of the vehicle in order to recover it quickly.

Cut costs

The Fleet Director option provides fleet managers with a full range of services, including optimised routing on multi-drop runs, live vehicle reporting, two-way messaging and vehicle or driver management reports, all of which are usually shown to be highly cost effective. Vans can also be ‘geofenced’ to ensure, and then prove, that they are being used within a specific area and are not used at weekends or out of hours. The system can also be used to record when vehicles arrive and leave specific locations.

As with most technology in the transport industry, its detractors (usually drivers) say that it’s like having a spy in the cab and suggests that their employer doesn’t trust them, or thinks they aren’t competent.

However, to think like this is to miss the obvious problem: all transport is a cost to businesses — high fuel costs and a competitive marketplace mean that all transport operators need to minimise costs, and in many cases the evidence that telematics saves money is very strong indeed.

Another benefit is customer service: in this day and age, being ‘en-route and out of contact’ simply isn’t good enough: both customers and operators expect to know where their vans — and drivers — are at all times.

We will inevitably be seeing much more telematics in years to come — I have little doubt that telematics and navigational systems will become as standard as radios and electric windows over the next decade, thanks to the benefits they provide.

EXCLUSIVE: Save 10% on Hertz Van Rental with vanrental.co.uk [EXPIRED]

Leave a reply

Hertz Newcastle Van SupersiteSAVE 10% on Hertz Van Rental + Nectar points

EXCLUSIVE to vanrental.co.uk

We’ve teamed up with the good people at Hertz again to offer vanrental.co.uk visitors an exclusive 10% discount code for Hertz van hire.

Remember: when you hire from Hertz, you can also collect Nectar points too!

Here are the details:

THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED

Valid from: 9 June 2014

Expires: 15 June 2014

Pick-up period: 9 June 2014 until 6 July 2014

Discount code: 778646

 

Terms and conditions may apply; see Hertz website for details.

Iveco unveils brand-new Daily van

1 Reply

Iveco has released details of its all-new Daily van, which will join the all-new two-tonne Ford Transit and updated Renault Master in bringing a fresh look to the large van sector this year.

In keeping with its truck-based heritage, the new Daily retains its traditional ladder frame chassis structure, and will be available in gross weights ranging from 3.3 tonnes to a sector-best 7 tonnes. However, Iveco says that 80% of the van’s components have been redesigned, and claims an average 5% improvement in fuel consumption across the range.

New Iveco Daily panel van

The new Iveco Daily in panel van guise

Iveco says that the new Daily will be offer the most extensive range of configuration options in its category, with more than 8,000 different combinations of chassis, engine and specification available, based on:

  • 6 gross vehicle weight variants, starting from 3.3 and reaching up to 7 tonnes;
  • Models including semi-window vans, chassis cabs, chassis crew cabs, chassis cowls and minibus versions;
  • useful payload (including the driver) of up to 4,700 kg and up to 3,500 kg towing capacity;
  • 3 wheelbases, 5 lengths and 3 internal heights for the van range;
  • 6 wheelbases and body length options from 3 to6.2 m for the basic range (chassis cab, chassis crew cab..);
  • 9 loadspace volumes from 7.3 to19.6 m3;
  • 9 engines from 106 to 205 hp, with record torque levels up to 470 Nm;
  • turning circle of 11.9 m;
  • overall length of load compartment exceeding 5.1 metres;
  • 15 storage compartments in the cab, 5 of which are closed;
  • more than 40 different factory-fit options available.

New Iveco Daily tipper

Engines & fuel consumption

Under the bonnet, customers will be able to choose between 2.3l and 3.0l diesel engines and a 2.3l compressed natural gas model. Power outputs will range from 106 hp to 205 hp, and all models will have a six-speed transmission, including those specified with the firm’s Agile automated gearbox.

Both Euro 5b+ and Euro VI versions will be available, using EGR and EGR+SCR solutions respectively.

Measures aimed at cutting fuel consumption include a set of modifications aimed at reducing friction, such as reduced tangential load piston ring seals, low viscosity engine oil and low rolling resistance tyres.

Iveco has also tried to reduce fuel wastage through what might be termed ‘overpowering’ — drivers will be able to optimise fuel consumption using the EcoSwitch function, which is operated by a dashboard switch and adjusts engine mapping to cut torque when the van is empty, and restrict the van’s maximum speed.

Similarly, there’s also a Smart Alternator option that recovers kinetic energy lost during breaking and optimises battery charging, as well as a the EcoMac option which modulates the load on the air-conditioning compressor to optimise cooling (normally air-con compressors simply run flat out all the time).

Load compartment

Iveco has focused on improving the single-wheel models, and says that the load deck is now 55mm lower than previously and offers a choice of capacities that range from 7.3 to 19.6 cubic metres. The 7 tonne Daily van will have a payload of up to 4,000kg, which Iveco says is unique in its class.

Driving and interior

The cab has been heavily updated and now appears to offer car-like levels of comfort and sophistication. The driving experience has also been improved and Iveco claims that lateral acceleration — or cornering — is now comparable with a car, with loads of up to 0.74g, thanks to a new suspension design.

There are also a raft of new safety systems: in addition to the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the New Daily introduces high-technological content, such as the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), that emits an acoustic signal when the vehicle departs from the marker lines of a lane without activating the signal indicators. The system is extremely effective in preventing accidents caused by distractions or drowsiness.

New Iveco Daily cab interior

Inside the cab of the new Iveco Daily

Overall, the new Daily looks good and should be help drive continued strong activity in the UK van market this year, following its June launch.

Van Registrations Up 18.4% In May

1 Reply

There’s no arguing with a set of figures like this: new van registrations rose by 18.4% in May compared to the same period last year, giving the market a welcome boost after April’s pause.

There were substantial gains in every category except the sub-2.0t sector — and as I’ve discussed before, very few new van models actually fit into this category anymore.

Here’s a summary of last month’s new registrations, compared to the same period last year:

Month May-14 May-13 % change
Pickups 2,483 2,260 9.9%
4x4s 623 500 24.6%
Vans <= 2.0t 2,768 2,887 -4.1%
Vans > 2.0 – 2.5t 4,607 3,298 39.7%
Vans > 2.5 – 3.5t 13,802 11,558 19.4%
All Vans to 3.5t 24,283 20,503 18.4%

Source: SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes was bullish on the prospects for van registrations through the rest of the year, saying:

“The van sector rose 18.4% in May, a solid performance that was pleasing to see after a -0.6% blip in registration levels last month. Vans continue to perform in-line with SMMT’s expectations for the year, [ … ] new van introductions should sustain this part of the market.”

As the graph below shows, the van sector (blue line) has staged a strong recovery in demand since the start of 2013, with the rolling year total now up to around 290,000 new vans registered:

Rolling year total van registrations Jan 11 - Apr 14

Rolling year total van registrations Jan 11 – Apr 14 (courtesy of SMMT)

New models this year

As Mike Hawes commented above, new van model introductions this year could help sustain strong sales. Amongst the new models due to hit showrooms in 2014 are the all-new two-tonne Ford Transit, the new Vauxhall Vivaro and Renault Trafic, new Citroen Relay/Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato and the latest version of the Renault Master.

The Nissan e-NV200 electric van is also due to be launched in June (and should soon be seen in British Gas colours).

Scottish SPCA stays loyal to Citroën with 70-van order

Leave a reply

Scottish SPCA Citroen Berlingo vansA major repeat order for new Citroën vans has recently been signed by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA), to support their vital rescue and animal protection work.

The bulk of the near 70-strong order is for Citroën Berlingo HDi 75 manual L1 Enterprise models, all of which have been supplied by Citroën dealer Park’s Motor Group, East Kilbride. The order also includes a number of Relay and Dispatch models.

The Scottish SPCA requires specific equipment for these vehicles, including specialised flooring, animal cages, hand-washing facilities and search lights for night-time rescues. Most of the Berlingo vans will cover between 20,000 and 30,000 miles annually, depending on location.

The new Berlingos will sport the Scottish SPCA’s trademark black and white livery, and will be used for its animal rescue and re-homing work. The Berlingo vans will be used by the Society’s inspectors, animal rescue officers and staff, who will make full use of the space and specialist equipment in their work.

The Scottish SPCA – a long-term Citroën LCV operator – values the low whole life costs and versatility of the Berlingo vans, which are being operated on SG Fleet UK Limited three year contract hire agreements.

Scottish SPCA Finance Manager, John Allan, says:

“When we considered the choice of manufacturer for this latest van order, we had no hesitation in continuing our long relationship with Citroën. Our front-line staff rescue and care for vulnerable and desperate animals and they fully appreciate the space the vans have for cages and the equipment we specify. As a charity, we also appreciate the low operating costs of these vans, which enable the Society to spend more on our core animal rescue activity.”

The Scottish SPCA was established in 1839 and its inspectors and animal rescue officers attend to thousands of domestic, farm and wild animals every year. The Scottish SPCA’s vets and staff in its animal rescue and re-homing centres look after, rehabilitate and find homes for thousands more.

Citroën announces pricing from £19,405 +VAT for new Relay van

1 Reply
Citroën Relay 35 L3H2 (l) and L1H1 (r)

Citroën Relay 35 L3H2 (l) and L1H1 (r)

The pricing for Citroën’s New Relay range has just been released, allowing orders to be placed prior to its 1 July, ‘on sale’ date.

New Citroën Relay panel vans will be priced from just £19,405 + VAT for the  base model Relay 30 L1H1 HDi 110 6-speed manual — £545 + VAT more than its predecessor, but with additional features that would have cost more than £600 +VAT on the outgoing model, according to the firm.

Jeremy Smith, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, comments:

“New Relay is a compelling choice for businesses. This competitively priced and exceptionally well-equipped range delivers the highest payloads in its sector, along with class-leading load carrying practicality and low cost of operation.

With its wide choice of factory-built variants and Citroën’s unique range of Ready to Run specialist bodied models, there is a New Relay to economically and efficiently suit virtually any business transport requirement.”

The new Relay panel vans offer a choice of payloads from 1140 – 1995kg. The two versions forecast to be the best-sellers are the New Relay 30 L1H1 HDi 110 6-speed manual and the New Relay 35 L3H2 HDi 130 6-speed manual.

The durability of the Relay should be improved, thanks to a series of updates to the van’s body. High use, high stress items such as the rear doors have been reinforced, and higher strength door hinges are now used. Similarly, the sliding side load doors have benefited from reinforced rails, re-designed runners and improved door locks, in order to raise durability and security standards.

Underneath the body, the Relay’s shock absorber mountings have been re-designed, and braking performance has been improved, while the new HDi diesel engines all have significantly improved efficiency, with up to 15% better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions figures. According to Citroën, the new Relay panel vans in the 3.0 – 3.5 tonne GVW sector have combined cycle fuel economy of up to 42.8mpg, and sub-200g/km CO2 emission figures.

Four fuel-efficient, low CO2 emissions HDi 110, HDi 130, e-HDi 130 Airdream and HDi 150 engines can be specified in the New Relay – all with six-speed, all-synchromesh manual gearboxes. These 2.2 litre turbocharged Euro 5 engines offer exceptional performance, alongside impressive fuel economy figures and low CO2 emissions:

  HDi 110 HDi 130 e-HDi130 Airdream HDi 150
Max power Kw(hp) @ rpm 81(110)@ 3500 96(130)@3500 96(130) @ 3500 110(150)@ 3500
Max torque Nm(lb.ft) @ rpm 250(184) @1750 320(236)@2000 320(236) @2000 350(258)@ 2000

Service intervals for the new vans have been extended to two years/30,000 miles, and in a decisive move, Citroën has decided to fit its Teletrac telematics system, which includes satellite navigation, as standard to all new Relay panel vans.

Volkswagen heads north with 30-van Scottish parcels deal

Leave a reply

AJG Parcels Volkswagen Crafter vansScotland’s ‘Highland and Islands’ courier specialist, AJG Parcels Ltd, has inked a deal with Volkswagen to take delivery of 30 new Crafter vans, replacing 25% of its current fleet.

Inverness-based AJG Parcels operates in the Scottish Highlands, Islands and Argyll, where its collection and delivery service is crucial for local businesses and residents.

The firm chose the Volkswagen Crafter for its famed reliability, low running costs and ability to deliver large volumes of goods in some of the UK’s most remote locations in all conditions. Thanks to its flexible load area (up to 17m3) and heavy-duty payloads (up to 2,604kg), the Crafter was the perfect choice for AJG Parcels when it came to replacing its fleet.

The firm was founded 22 years ago as a husband and wife operation delivering just 20 parcels a day. Today, it boasts a 150-strong workforce and handles over 9,000 parcel deliveries plus 800 parcel collections every day with its delivery network spread throughout Argyll, Highlands and Islands.

Fraser MacLean, operations director at AJG Parcels Ltd, said:

“Reliability is key in the parcel industry, where we constantly find ourselves working under time-critical conditions. This is why we had no hesitation in turning to Volkswagen when it came to updating our fleet.

“This order signals the final stages of a significant investment geared at updating over 25 per cent of our delivery vehicles with more up-to-date models. With a solid reputation for quality and dependability, combined with vehicles’ residual values, Volkswagen was an obvious choice for our business.”

I’ve travelled extensively around the Highlands and Northern Isles of Scotland, and the yellow and red AJG vans are a common sight — I believe they subcontract for a number of the mainstream courier companies, and they certainly seem to reach the parts that other courier firms don’t reach!