Electric vehicles star at CV Show

Electric vehicles are the stars of the show at the National Exhibition Centre today – the opening day of the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show.

Both DAF and MAN have all electric trucks on show while there are a host of electric vans with Peugeot unveiling its new Boxer electric.

Hybrid technology was also on display, notably at Ford which is showing its plug-in hybrid Transit alongside a new EcoBlue hybrid Transit.

The MAN CitE e-mobility concept truck is a 100 per cent electric truck with a low-entry cab for urban delivery operations. MAN said the truck has a payload of 6,300 kilos and a maximum range of about 100 kilometres. The engine has a power output of 395 PS (290 kW).

DAF is showing the CF Electric FT tractor unit, which it has developed in partnership with VDL and is putting through field trials in the Netherlands.

The vehicle has a GCW of 37 tonnes and a range of 100 kilometres with a 170 kWh battery pack. Power output is 286hp (210 kW). DAF said the battery has a full recharge time of 30 minutes meaning that it could be recharged while loading and unloading.

Peugeot’s new electric Boxer is part of a strategy to offer electric versions of all its vehicles by 2023. Sister company Citroen is also using the show to debut its new Relay Electric. The vans will be offered with ranges of either 141 miles or 169 miles.

Philippe Narbeburu, senior vice-president, Light Commercial Vehicles Groupe PSA Business Unit said: “In line with our ‘Push to Pass’ strategic plan, we are continuing to electrify our entire range. This new offer is a major competitive advantage for our brands in a very competitive LCV segment. This is an opportunity to strengthen our leadership in Europe by meeting the new needs of zero-emission driving without giving up the useful services related to the demanding uses of our professional customers.”