Ansty, 8th July 2020; LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) is set to revolutionise the commercial vehicle segment with the launch of VN5, its new electric light commercial van. Available to order now, first VN5 deliveries will commence in RHD form in Q4, with LHD models available from March 2021.

VN5 has a flexible zero emissions capable range of over 300 miles (484 km)1 delivered by LEVC’s innovative eCity electric technology. It also uses with the same reliable, hard-working construction as LEVC’s highly successful TX taxi. With up to 5.5m3 capacity, VN5 cargo capacity easily accommodates two Euro sized pallets with a gross payload of 830kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side-loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.

VN5 will enter the market later this year in a highly competitive position, offering generous standard equipment, low operating costs, a comprehensive warranty and strong residual values.

Designed, engineered and manufactured at LEVC’s award winning production plant in Ansty, Coventry - the UK’s only dedicated electric vehicle factory - VN5 can enhance the green footprint of any business.

VN5 shares its distinctive styling with the iconic London taxi. Drawing upon the company’s heritage as the leader in the taxi sector for over a century, VN5 features a front end common with the electric TX taxi, a timeless purpose-built model launched in 2018. Combined with bold yet clean surfaces, VN5 is a modern van that stands out from the crowd.

LED headlamps are fitted as standard, converting 80% the power into light versus a typical 20% for a halogen lamp. These are brighter, longer lasting and are four times more efficient than conventional halogen lamps.

Inside, VN5 also benefits from a driver-oriented cabin shared with TX, featuring an ergonomic, relaxed and stress-free workspace tried and tested on the streets of London by thousands of cabbies. The driver’s seat is ergonomically designed and fully adjustable, while the steering wheel can also be adjusted for reach and rake. The cabin is optimised for professional use, with settings accessed via a large central touchscreen with intuitive interface, while bright LED lighting clearly illuminates other key controls. Ample stowage in the doors, glovebox and central console are all designed to allow convenient access when needed.

Three VN5 variants are available – Business, City and Ultima - with a high level of standard equipment and always with the demands of the user in mind. All VN5 models feature Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), front and side driver and passenger airbags, cruise control, nine-inch touchscreen and dual zone climate control as standard as well as 50kW DC rapid charging and minimum 11kW AC fast charging capability. City trim adds a heated windscreen, front and rear parking sensors, curtain airbags and Lane Departure Warning, while the flagship Ultima features a rear-view camera, luxury seats, metallic paint and 22kW AC charging capability as standard.

Six option packs are available, allowing customers to tailor to their specific preferences. The Comfort pack features luxury driver & passenger seats, Satellite Navigation, under-seat storage and a heated windscreen. The Safety pack comes with Road Sign Information system (RSI), Speed Limit Intelligent Function (SLIF), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and curtain airbags.

In addition, LEVC has worked with a number of Europe’s leading convertors to ensure the VN5 can be equipped with racking, roof racks, light bars and other bespoke modifications required by customers in this sector. In addition, the vehicle will also be available with a range of accessories at launch including seat covers, mats and handheld device holders to enable customers to personalise and protect their vehicles.

VN5 features a class-leading turning circle of just 10.1m. Like TX, the VN5 has been designed for unrivalled mobility in busy city environments and can operate effortlessly in tight urban spaces.

The VN5 cargo capacity of up to 5.5m3 easily accommodates two Euro sized pallets with a gross payload up to 830kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side-loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.

Flexible electric power at the heart of VТ5. Based on the same architecture and proven eCity range-extender technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi, a pure EV range of 58 miles (93 km) and a total flexible range of over 300 miles (484 km) can be achieved.

The vehicle is equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as standard, to protect the vehicle occupants as well as pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users from accidents at lower speeds. AEB also operates at higher speeds during interurban vehicle operation. Should a collision ever occur, the post-impact braking system will intervene to stop any further collisions on rebound.

Other safety systems available include Emergency Brake Assist and ABS, Front & Side Driver & Passenger airbags and optional curtain airbags.

LEVC press release