Groupe PSA is promising there will be no compromises with its electric vehicles (EVs) as it launches a new range of commercial vehicles.

Following the introduction of the group’s fully electric small car, offered as the Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa e and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, PSA is adding a medium sized electric van and people carrier to its line-up.

The models will be known as: Peugeot e-Expert, Citroen e-Dispatch and Vauxhall Vivaro-e.

Xavier Peugeot, senior vice-president of Groupe PSA’s LCV division, said: “The PSA ambition is to make sure that we can continue to provide freedom in mobility to our customers.

“We know that rules and regulations are changing, particularly in big cities. Access to city centres will be different in the coming years. We need provide our customers with concrete electric answers to allow them to continue to work.

“At the same time, we would like to be able to move people, all together, which is why shuttles will become e-shuttles.”

Following the launch of these models, the group says will offer electric engines on all its commercial vehicles by 2021.

Peugeot and Citroen dealers will undergo a new LCV (light commercial vehicle) training and support programme to improve knowledge and professionalism across the network, and deliver a better service to fleet customers.

The training coincides with order books opening for the new all-electric vans.

Initially, the vehicles will be targeted at ‘professional users’, which means the bulk of sales will go to larger fleet customers rather that individual retail buyers.

“Our message is clear and simple: no compromise, no trade off. This is not a one-shot with one dedicated electric van. We want the entire LCV range for PSA to be electrified by the end of next year.

“People who are moving to electric vehicles shouldn’t see major differences. They should have the benefits but still expect the same performances. This is the key aspect we will deliver with these vans.

“We are mainly talking to professionals. They have a wide range of needs and a high standard of expectations. We cannot offer them something that isn’t complete. We will have a full matrix of variants.”

The new electric vans will offer a range of 143 or 205 miles, depending on version.

Most buyers (around 70%) are expected to opt for the larger battery pack due to concerns about range anxiety - the fear of running out of charge. This is despite PSA's research suggesting that the smaller battery pack will cover the routine daily driving needs of 83% of its van customers.

Load volume is unaffected by the electrified powertrain, with the battery pack integrated into the van’s chassis all versions offer the same practicality as their ICE-powered counterparts.

Citroen e-Dispatch pricing:

Model	Powertrain	Size	Price (excluding VAT)	Price (excluding VAT after PiVG)
X	50 kWh 1000	M	£32,965	25,053
Enterprise	50 kWh 1000	XS	£33,450	25,450
	50 kWh 1000	M	£34,150	26,150
	75 kWh 1200	M	£39,150	31,150
	75 kWh 1000	XL	£40,060	32,050
Driver	75 kWh 1200	M	£42,380	34,380

 

Peugeot e-Expert pricing:

Model	Powertrain	Size	Price (Excluding VAT)	Price (excluding VAT After PiVG Grant)
S	50kWh	Standard	£32,965	£25,053
	75kWh	Standard	£37,965	£29,965
Professional	50kWh	Compact	£33,450	£25,450
	50kWh	Standard	£34,150	£26,150
	75kWh	Standard	£39,150	£31,150
	75kWh	Long	£40,050	£32,050
Asphalt	75kWh	Standard	£42,380	£34,380
Crew Van Professional	75kWh	Standard	£42,070	£34,070

 

Vauxhall Vivaro-e pricing:

Model	Powertrain	Size	Price (excluding VAT)	Price (excluding VAT After PiVG Grant)
Dynamic Panel Van 3100	50kWh	L1H1	£34,390	£28,361.66
Dynamic Panel Van 3100	75kWh	L1H1	£38,890	£32,861.66
Dynamic Panel Van 3100	50kWh	L2H1	£35,540	£29,511.66
Dynamic Panel Van 3100	75kWh	L2H1	£40,040	£34,011.66
Elite Panel Van 3100	75kWh	L1H1	£42,690	£36,661.66
Elite Panel Van 3100	75kWh	L2H1	£43,840	£37,811.66
Elite Doublecab 3100	75kWh	L2H1	£45,840	£39,811.66

 

The XS version (4.6m length) provides a 5.1 cubic metre load space and is available with a 50kWh battery – giving a range of 143 miles.

The M version is 4.95m long and can be specified with the 50kWh battery or the larger 75kWh unit, which increased range to 205 miles.

XL versions are 5.3m long and provide up to 6.6 cubic metres of load space. These are fitted with the larger battery only.

All can tow up to 1,000Kg and payloads are rated at up to 1,000Kg regardless of size or battery.

The electric motor is the same one found in PSA’s small electric cars. It develops 136PS and 260Nm. Top speed is restricted to 80mph.

Charging times vary, with the smaller battery able to gain an 80% charge in just 30 minutes when using a 100kW charging point.

The van can be specified with either a 7.4kW or 11kW on board charger, depending on the charging needs of the user.

Passenger car

Passenger car versions of the vans will be known as the Peugeot e-Traveller, the Citroen e-Spacetourer and the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life.

They will only be available with the smaller 50kWh battery pack in the UK, enabling a range of 143 miles.

Like the standard versions, the electric models can be specified in 4.95m short-wheelbase form and 5.3m long wheelbase form

Up to eight passengers can be carried, leaving 1500 litres of boot space, with that figure extending to 4900 litres when the rearmost two rows of seats are removed.

Order books for the commercial vehicles are already open, while the passenger car will go on sale in September. Deliveries for both will commence before the end of 2020.