China’s LDV confirmed plans to debut a new mid-size van to compete with the likes of Hyundai Staria Load, Toyota HiAce, and Ford Transit Custom in Q4 2023, per reports. The company aims to record another success in the industry similar to the one it had with the bigger model, eDeliver 9.
“We expect our new mid-size van will replicate the success of the Deliver 9 and shake up its respective segment.”
Dinesh Chinnappa, LDV’s general manager in Australia
For context, LDV was the first brand to deploy electric vans, utes, and people movers in Australia.
What’s currently known about the new model?
LDV apparently plans to offer two variants of the yet-to-be-announced van: ICE and EV. Interestingly, it will also have three roof options.
This upcoming mid-size van will join the previously introduced eDeliver 9 large vans, eT60 dual-cab ute, and MIFA 9 people mover in LDV’s expanding local EV range since it will have an electric variant.
As for the size, it will follow the LDV Deliver 9, which is the company’s best-selling model.
Unfortunately, LDV has not yet disclosed further details regarding the planned van. That said, it is not yet clear if the automaker will debut the new van as a new model or a version that has already been unveiled, such as the mid-size G10.
Nonetheless, the company promised to release more specifics in the coming days.
About LDV
LDV is among the pioneers in the auto industry worldwide. It started producing vans in 1987 as a British company. However, SAIC Motor acquired the commercial unit of the British Motor Corporation in 2010, including the LDV brand.
As for the company’s overall sales in 2022, LDV enjoyed a YoY sales growth of 71%. It further noted that the sales exceeded the 3.0% growth in the commercial vehicle market.
eDeliver 9
The eDeliver 9 is available in cab-chassis or van body options and costs $99,990 to $118,836 before additional charges, which is 2 to 2.5 times more than the equivalent diesel models that cost $47,358 to $49,464. As the first electric model in the large van category ahead of Ford E-Transit and Renault Master E-Tech Electric. The cab-chassis is powered by a 65kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that provides a 150km driving range according to European WLTP tests with a large box attached.
The eDeliver 9 vans by LDV have a battery capacity of 88.55kWh, with a claimed WLTP driving range of 280km for the mid-roof model and 275km for the high-roof model. They use a 150kW/310Nm power source to drive the front wheels, but have a top speed limit of 90km/h. DC fast charging from 20 to 80% at a rate of 80kW takes 36 minutes for the cab-chassis and 45 minutes for the vans. AC home charging using an 11kW wallbox takes 6.5 hours for the cab-chassis and 8 hours for the vans.
