Chinese van brand DFSK has appeared here before, but is set to make another effort at cracking the UK market following its relaunch at the 2021 CV Show. On display at the NEC is the DFSK EC35 electric van, alongside an early example of the EC31 electric chassis cab.
The new UK distributor is called Innovation Automotive (IA), a firm that’s planning to become ‘the UK’s first multi-brand, all-electric automatic company’ and has the stated ambition to bring ‘a new generation of affordable all-electric vehicles to market.’
Is the DFSK EC35 really a ‘new generation’ electric van?
The old-fashioned appearance isn’t especially promising – even if looks can be deceiving. We’ll reserve full judgement until we’ve had the chance to drive it, which should happen later in 2021, but there are a couple of interesting points here.
Firstly, both vehicles but especially the EC35 panel van, offer compact dimensions in combination with large load spaces. A lengthy wheelbase pushes the wheels right out to the corners, and although it appears little bigger than small van in terms of footprint, the load space is 4.8 cubic metres in volume, rivalling some medium vans.
Secondly, we’re told that the van is designed to deliver its maximum range with its maximum payload, rather than making buyers choose one or the other.
Are there any official specifications yet?
Innovation Automotive is set to hold a full company launch later in 2021, and is holding back from releasing full technical details for the time being – the vehicles on the stand at the CV Show are pre-production models and the firm is fielding feedback form potential buyers on the perceived quality.
But we have been able to clarify a few important points. For instance, payload is set to be 950kg, and the battery pack is a 39kWh unit, which is expected to deliver a WLTP driving range of slightly more than 150 miles per charge.
AC and DC charging is supported, with a full AC charge taking 7-8 hours. DC charging is available to 80% and 100%, with the former taking around 40 minutes and the latter 90 minutes, helping to keep the EC35 moving (although perhaps at the expense of long-term battery life).
Unusually, the EC35 is rear-wheel drive and built on a traditional ladder chassis. Most modern vans no longer use this form of construction, while the only other medium van with a rear-wheel drive option is the Mercedes Vito; so current small van is rear-wheel drive.
We understand the electric motor produces 60kW – equivalent to 80hp – and 200Nm of torque.
In order to accommodate the batteries, the load floor is raised slightly versus previous internal combustion engine versions, which reduces the available load-space height from 1,300mm to 1,270mm.
You do get twin sliding side doors as standard, though the rear tailgate may put off some buyers.
How does the DFSK EC35 compare with rivals?
In small van terms, the 950kg payload is impressive for an electric van, and the promised 150-mile driving range isn’t too bad, either.
It’s less competitive if you consider the EC35 as a rival to medium vans, however, where the market leaders are capable of over 200 miles per charge and have maximum payloads of over 1,200kg – though not at the same time.
The EC35 is already on-sale in Belgium and China.
>> The best electric vans you can buy now
Who are Innovation Automotive?
IA is based in the Cotswolds, and plans to sell a range of DFSK and Skywell electric vehicles in the UK. The DFSK EC35 is expected to be on UK sale before the end of 2021, with other models – including some electric cars – promised in 2022.
According to IA, it ‘benefits from a senior leadership team with considerable automotive retail and aftersales experience’. The CEO is Paul Brigden, former Operations Director for Mitsubishi Motors UK.
Rather than set-up a network of dealerships, the vehicles will be sold ‘direct-to-consumer’, and the firm is aiming to attract buyers not only through attractive pricing but also a much more personal approach.
What other electric commercial vehicles will Innovation Automotive sell?
The next model in the pipeline and also on the 2021 CV Show stand is the DFSK EC31, a compact chassis cab that’s also powered by electricity. This makes use of the same 80hp motor and 39kWh battery pack as the EC35, and has a maximum payload of 1,190kg.
Following this, IA also plans to bring in the Skywell D07, a medium-sized electric van with 880kg payload.
We’ve no word on pricing for any of these new electric vans at this stage, but Innovation Automotive insists they will be ‘more accessible’ than established brands in an effort to make the transition to electric power easier for more van buyers. We shall see.
Look out for further DFSK info later in the year.
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