Are you thinking of purchasing a new vehicle in 2020? With more manufacturers updating their bestsellers and a widening electric offer, you will be spoilt for choice this year. Here are a few of the options on offer you may want to consider, whether you wish to carry passengers, goods or even both.
NISSAN e-NV200
The 100% electric Nissan e-NV200 won “Zero Emission LCV of the Year” at the Commercial Fleet Awards in 2019. It will certainly appeal to those looking to cut the maintenance, congestion charge and fuel costs down. Versatile, and particularly appealing for those operating in urban areas, the new e-NV200 boasts a 187 miles range thanks to its 40kwh battery, a rapid charge capability (40 to 60 minutes) and a generous cargo capacity of up to 4.2m3.
Expected starting price £ 25,255 (inc VAT and PIVG)
Transport: Passengers, Cargo or both
MERCEDES eSPRINTER
Coming with two battery options (55kwh or 41 kwh), the new eSprinter offers a maximum range of 104 miles (71 miles with the 41kwh battery) and a cargo volume up to 10.5m3. The top speed can be capped at 50, 62 or 75mph to suit your needs and to maximise efficiency.
MERCEDES EQV
Set to launch in the Spring, the EQV will impress by its long-range (up to 250 miles, thanks to a 100kwh battery tucked away beneath the floor) and load capacity (similar to its traditionally fuelled counterpart). And, with the he DC fast charging option offering a 10-80% recharge in less than 45 minutes, the new EQV will definitely help those suffering with range anxiety!
Expected starting price £60,000
UK due date Spring 2020
Range 250 miles
VOLKSWAGEN CADDY
The new version of the successful Caddy, a cargo and people carrier, is expected later this year. Not much is known about it, but it is likely to feel more car-like than ever, to be based on the MQB car platform, and to offer a longer version – although this could be added to the T7 range as the “T7 Life Caddy”.
VOLKSWAGEN e-CRAFTER
Over 100 miles range, space for 4 euro pallets and already a hit in Germany, this electric variant of the Crafter is aimed at cities – with top speed capped at 56pmh.
NEW FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM PHEV
The first van in its segment to offer a petrol-electric powertrain, the new Ford plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Transit could be the solution for you if you aren’t quite ready to go full electric yet, or need a longer range than that currently on offer for EVs. The Transit PHEV’s electric motor can cover up to 35 miles, and is coupled to a 1.0 litre Ecoboost engine extending the range to over 310 miles. Regenerative braking allows you to recharge the battery as you go. The load is a roomy 6m3 (3 euro pallets), and this custom built van offers a host of features for your safety and comfort (park assist, cruise control, blind spot information system, cross traffic alert, to name but a few)
Expected starting price £39,145 (ex VAT)
UK due date Spring 2020
NEW RENAULT KANGOO Z.E. CONCEPT
No conventional mirrors or doors handles on the concept presented at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Frankfurt last year. Specifications or exact release date are not out yet, but we can expect a much increased battery capacity compared to the 33kwh available on the eponymous model, and a three-phase on-board charger on the next-generation Kangoo.
Expected starting price TBC
UK due date: 2020
NEW RENAULT TRAFIC
The new Renault TRAFIC SpaceClass is a 9 seater that can accommodate 6 passengers around its rear seat table in a comfortable space – the bench can even be converted to a double bed!
The Trafic cargo range also got a makeover with the crew van and panel van both having been redesigned, and equipped with new safety and comfort features.
TOYOTA PROACE CITY
On the same platform as the Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo Cargo, this Toyota medium van will come in two wheelbases (4.4 to 4.7m long) and as crew or panel van. The petrol and diesel versions are coming out in February, and an electric variant is expected next year.
Expected starting price £18,386 (ex VAT)
UK due date February 2020
LAND ROVER DEFENDER COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
Allowing you to tow up to 3.5 tonnes and carry up to 300kg on the roof, the new Land Rover is due to be launch this summer.
Expected starting price £35,000 (ex VAT)
UK due date Mid-2020
ARRIVAL ELECTRIC VAN
With the backing of Kia and Hyundai, this UK-based new entrant to the market might ruffle a few feathers with its first product: a battery-powered electric van for the price of a petrol or diesel one… Prototypes of this futuristic looking, skateboard platform based van, have already been trialled by a number companies such as BT, Royal Mail, DHL and DPD. You will have to wait a little to get one though, as full-scale production isn’t due to start until 2021.
There will be a lot of new – and some rather exciting – options on the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) scene this year. LCVs sales grew by 2.4% in 2019, with December alone seeing a 7.9% increase in registrations year-on-year, mainly due to an impressive +39.7% growth for the registration of vans weighing between 2 and 2.5 tonnes
What is a LCV?
LCV, or Light Commercial Vehicle, is a term used to define commercial carrier vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of no more than 3.5 metric tonnes. LCVs include pick-ups, vans and three-wheelers.