BYD unveils new line-up of electric vans and trucks

Chinese manufacturer BYD has revealed a new line-up of electric vans and trucks, including the E-Vali, a new zero-emission light commercial vehicle (LCV).

Unveiled at the IAA Transportation 2024 show in Hanover, Germany, the 3.5-4.25 tonne E-Vali offers a WLTP range of 220-250km (136-155m).

The cobalt-free 80.64 kWh Blade Battery uses Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LFP) as its cathode material, which offers a much higher level of safety than lithium-ion batteries.

LFP has inherently excellent thermal stability, according to BYD. The Blade Battery, while being ultra-safe and durable, is also uncompromising in performance, it says, delivering high power density with the benefit of ultra-low energy consumption.

It can be fast charged from 10-80% in around 30 minutes. It is also equipped with VTOL so external devices can easily be charged by the vehicle battery.

A six-in-one electric powertrain integrates motor controller unit, drive motor, gearbox, battery management system, vehicle control unit and power distribution unit in one module for ease of maintenance, which in turn maximises cargo space, and minimises cargo floor height from the ground.

An energy saving heat pump is a standard feature too, enhancing thermal management and performance.

The 4.25t model can carry up to 17.9m3, with a payload of 1,450kg. The shorter 3.5t version offers 13.9m3 and a payload of up to 700kg.

There is a sliding side door for loading and unloading, with wide opening hinged rear doors, as well as folding seats to maximize space.

There is sufficient height for the driver to stand upright to enter the van and a bulkhead door separates the driver and passenger cabin from the main cargo area.

The BYD E-Vali also comes with ADAS as standard, including adaptive cruise control and intelligent cruise control, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure assist, blind spot detection, comfort Stop, rollover control system, hill decent control, indirect driver fatigue management, hill hold control.

The cabin, meanwhile, has a high-tech feel, enhanced by a modern instrument panel and large touchscreen.

The touchscreen can be viewed ‘split screen’ mode so the driver can focus on driving, while passengers can still enjoy their preferred infotainment. There is also the accompanying BYD App which provides a host of features and remote functionality, for monitoring vehicle status.

Electrically adjustable seats are a standard feature and have been ergonomically designed to reduce wrapping to make it easier for drivers, such as couriers, to get in and out of the van.

The BYD E-Vali also features a foldable table concealed with the centre console, an in-car refrigerator/cool box, cup holders and an abundance of useful storage boxes and pockets, as well as various USB ports for wireless charging.

BYD ETM6 pure-electric truck makes debut

Designed to a high specification for the European market, the 7.5T pure-electric BYD ETM6 was also unveiled in Hannover.

The BYD ETM6 has a range of up to 200km (124 miles) with a full load, with DC (120 kW) allowing charging (20% to 100%) in one hour.

New BYD EYT 2.0 electric yard tractor

BYD has also unveiled the BYD EYT 2.0 for use in ports, terminals and general distribution as they transition to eco-friendly electric solutions.

Up to 75t GCW (Gross Combined Weight), the BYD EYT 2.0 is an agile and highly manoeuvrable electric yard tractor, says BYD.

Its powerful capabilities effortlessly handle substantial containers and trailers.

Equipped with the BYD Blade Battery, it offers a working time of up to 16 hours with quick efficient charging between shifts for optimal productivity.

BYD ETH8 eTruck

A further debutant in Hannover from the Chinese manufacturer is the the BYD ETH8, a 19t electric truck with a multipurpose platform for different operations and two wheelbase options.

It comes with a range of 250km (155 miles). It also offers an abundance of onboard equipment, and a spacious ergonomically designed cabin for driver comfort.

Like the BYD ETM6, it uses BYD’s eTruck platform which includes a five-in-one controller for optimum performance and efficiency, as well as ease of maintenance.

It has a large 255kWh battery capacity which can be charged from 20% to 100% in two hours.

Michael Shu, managing director of BYD Europe, said: “BYD’s goal of cooling the earth by one degree is a vision that can only be achieved through a wide variety of applications.

“We’re delighted to show another part of this here at IAA, with a line-up of commercial vehicles, including new models that are tailored to Europe.

“We’re optimistic that the E-Vali and EYT 2.0 can make significant contributions to more sustainable solutions in areas as diverse as last-mile deliveries and major distribution hubs.”

BYD is among a host of manufacturers and suppliers that will be attending Fleet & Mobility Live, the UK’s biggest show for the fleet and mobility community.

Fleet & Mobility Live will be held October 8-9 at the NEC in Birmingham and will bring together more than 2,000 fleet professionals to network, learn, share and build knowledge, make new connections and discover solutions to many of today’s most pressing fleet challenges.

Register now to secure your free space at the most important fleet event of the year.