2018-03-16 09:00
Coventry-based LEVC has only just launched its TX electric taxi, but the company is already testing a plug-in mid-sized van that’ll go on sale early in 2019.
Eagle-eyed Auto Express reader Tristram Belemore-Smith spied the disguised van undergoing testing near the Lotus factory in Norfolk. The British sports car brand, like LEVC, Volvo, Lynk & Co and Polestar, are all owned by Chinese auto maker Geely, so it’s highly likely that Lotus has been helping out with development on the LEVC electric van.
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Auto Express understands that the new van will use the same platform as the TX as well as its range-extender powertrain, using a 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine as a generator for a large battery pack and electric motors. The taxi claims a pure EV range of 80.6 miles with a total range of 377 miles with a 36-litre fuel tank on board – we’d expect slightly better figures for a lighter van.
Behind the disguise is a more upright rear end with a large, wide rear tailgate, while the rear-hinged back doors of the cab look to have been replaced by sliding side doors. We’d expect the van to be slightly longer than the taxi at around 5 meters in length making it shorter than a Ford Transit. However, it’ll be more than capable of fitting the all-important Euro pallet inside.
As with the taxi, expect a fair number of creature comforts for the driver, too, with items like heated seats and touchscreen navigation available.
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