LEVC announces details of its new hybrid electric VN5 van in the UK

(July 8, 2020) ANSTY, UK — LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) is set to revolutionize the commercial vehicle segment with the launch of VN5, its new electric light commercial van. Available to order now, first VN5 deliveries will commence in RHD form in Q4, with LHD models available from March 2021. VN5 has a flexible zero emissions capable range of over 300 miles delivered by LEVC’s innovative eCity electric technology.

It also uses with the same reliable, hard-working construction as LEVC’s highly successful TX taxi.  VN5 cargo capacity easily accommodates two Euro sized pallets with a gross payload of 1,826 pounds. It has been built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side-loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.

VN5 will enter the market later this year in a highly competitive position, offering generous standard equipment, low operating costs, a comprehensive warranty and strong residual values.  

Designed, engineered and manufactured at LEVC’s production plant in Ansty, Coventry — the UK’s only dedicated electric vehicle factory,

LEVC CEO Joerg Hofmann said: “VN5 sets new green mobility standards in the industry and establishes a new and highly desirable electric van segment.  We’ve applied our extensive knowledge from the taxi world to create a high quality, hard-working van with zero emissions and long-distance capability.  As well as offering favorable operating benefits, VN5 fulfills the growing demand from both businesses and consumers for cleaner, more sustainable commercial vehicles.”

VN5 shares its distinctive styling with the iconic London taxi. Drawing upon the company’s heritage as the leader in the taxi sector for over a century, VN5 features a front end common with the electric TX taxi, a timeless purpose-built model launched in 2018.

Inside, VN5 also benefits from a driver-oriented cabin shared with TX, featuring an ergonomic, relaxed and stress-free workspace tried and tested on the streets of London by thousands of cabbies. The driver’s seat is ergonomically designed and fully adjustable, while the steering wheel can also be adjusted for reach and rake. The cabin is optimized for professional use, with settings accessed via a large central touchscreen with intuitive interface, while bright LED lighting clearly illuminates other key controls. Ample stowage in the doors, glovebox and central console are all designed to allow convenient access when needed.


Flexible electric power at the heart of V5. Based on the same architecture and proven eCity range-extender technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi, a pure EV range of 58 miles and combined with a three-cylinder gas range-extender engine, the VN5's total range is over 300 miles.  

By eliminating range anxiety thanks to the VN5’s intuitive eCity hybrid technology, this new electric van delivers a "distribution to door" service, combines long-distance usability with zero emissions capability. VN5 excels where businesses have to drive a significant number of “stem miles” from the depot to get to the first delivery address. Based on a real-world delivery scenario from a warehouse near Heathrow Airport to four central London destinations, a fully charged and fueled VN5 can complete a full day’s work and make the 47-mile return trip 6 times, before it needs to recharge/refuel, far exceeding the range of a pure electric van.  

And, with the ability to go from zero charge to 100 percent in 30 minutes thanks to its 50kW DC charging capability, a full charge can be completed in the time taken loading/ unloading at the depot or for a short driver break and be back on the road.

The VN5 will be, from a business perspective, superior to pure-electric delivery vans, which have a more limited range and potentially require more downtime for charging.

Prices start at £46,500 ($58,590).