Electric van from BYD undergoing trials in China observed
The electric vehicle (EV) landscape is expanding, and one of the latest additions is the BYD E-Vali, an electric delivery van designed specifically for the European market. This new van, unveiled at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover in September 2024, is set to make waves in the industry.
Key Features of the BYD E-Vali
The E-Vali boasts a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) "Blade Battery" with a rated capacity of approximately 80 kWh. This battery technology, while less energy-dense than conventional batteries, offers several advantages. It avoids the use of rare metals like nickel and cobalt, reducing costs and enhancing safety. The E-Vali offers a driving range of 220-250 km under the WLTP cycle, making it suitable for short urban deliveries and last-mile logistics.
The E-Vali's top speed is limited to 90 km/h, making it well-suited for city environments where vans are commonly used. This van is a competitor in the growing market of electric vans, aiming to capture the demand in European fleets, particularly for urban delivery tasks. Notable competitors include the Ford e-Transit and LDV eDeliver 9.
Design and Dimensions
The E-Vali appears slightly curved and larger than other vans, as seen in photos. It measures almost 7 meters in length and offers two loading capacity options: 3.5 tonne and 4.25 tonne. Cargo volumes for the E-Vali are 13.9 or 17.9 cubic metres. In one of the photos, the E-Vali is seen next to a truck, with the roof of the van almost at the same level as the truck next to it, giving a sense of its size.
Charging and Performance
The E-Vali can be fully charged in under 6 hours with a 22 kW on-board charger. Charging at the depot with AC charging can be done via a standard 11 kW on-board charger, or upgraded to 22 kW. The van also supports DC charging, with power of 188 kW available, allowing it to charge from 20-100% in just one hour.
On-Road Testing and Launch
On-road testing of the E-Vali is currently underway. Photos of the E-Vali during road testing in China have been shared. The E-Vali is expected to be launched in the second half of 2025 in various European markets.
The introduction of the E-Vali aligns with BYD’s strategy to expand its European electric commercial vehicle presence. The company is also expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Europe, including a new plant in Hungary, to support the growing demand for electric vehicles.
[1] Carloop, a company specializing in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends, led by mechanical engineer Riz Akhtar, who is passionate about EVs and aims to reduce transport emissions in Australia, has been closely following the development of the E-Vali.
[2] Following its European launch, the E-Vali may be introduced to other parts of the world, expanding BYD's global reach in the EV market.
- The BYD E-Vali, unveiled at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover in September 2024, is set to make waves in the automotive industry with its innovative Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) "Blade Battery" designed for electric-vehicles.
- The BYD E-Vali, an electric delivery van designed for the European market, offers a driving range of 220-250 km under the WLTP cycle, making it suitable for short urban deliveries and last-mile logistics, rendering it competitive among electric vans like the Ford e-Transit and LDV eDeliver 9.
- As the E-Vali's top speed is limited to 90 km/h, it is well-suited for city environments where vans are commonly utilized, providing anByD with an opportunity to capture demand in European fleets, particularly for urban delivery tasks.
- In the expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, the introduction of the E-Vali aligns with BYD’s strategy to expand its European electric commercial vehicle presence, backed by growing manufacturing capabilities in Europe, as seen with their new plant in Hungary.
