First Drive: Iveco eDaily

The Iveco eDaily has been reborn with a new modular battery set-up and a vast array of configurations. Richard Gooding sees if the large van delivers

What is it?
The new Iveco eDaily is the latest in a line of electric-powered light commercials from the Italian company. A comprehensive family of panel and window vans, chassis cabs, chassis cowls, and minibuses from 3.5t to 7.2t GVW, there is a choice of one, two or three batteries in 37kWh, 74kWh and 111kWh options. These batteries are modular, which means an operator can add or remove batteries freely at any time or swap a battery between vehicles – removal or replacement time is two hours – should an individual eDaily’s usage cycle or payload use change.

How practical is it?
Over 200 eDaily variants are available. The panel van is available with wheelbases from 3,000-4,100mm, with a cargo volume from 7.3m3 to 20m3. Lengths start at 5,189mm and go up to 7,669mm, while heights begin at 1,545mm, topping out at 2,100mm. Payloads – for which the driver’s weight must be subtracted – begin at 1,100kg, rising to 4,065kg. Wheelbases on chassis cabs span 3,000-4,750mm, with body length ranging from 2,510-3,000mm to 5,690-6,190mm. Maximum payloads start at 1,390kg, rising to 4,605kg.
    
A special single-wheel 4.25t ‘42S’ UK B-driving licence derogation model has been introduced, capable of carrying up to 2,700kg on the rear axle. It also features the same payload capacity as the B-licence diesel Daily. The eDaily’s 3.5t towing capacity is currently unrivalled,while electric power take-off (ePTO) options from 2.5-15kW are also supported.

What range does it have?
When tested with a full payload, official WLTP combined cycle ranges for the Iveco eDaily vary from 64 miles for the 3.5t, 37kWh single-battery model, through to 186 miles for the 111kWh, three-battery 4.25t variant.

How long does it take to charge?
Single-battery eDailies take just over three hours for a full charge using an 11kW connection, triple-battery versions increase this to just under 10 hours. A 22kW charger reduces these times to 1.5 and five hours respectively. Single-battery models are capped at 40kW for DC charging, but can still refill the battery from 20-80 per cent in 30 minutes. Two and three-battery eDailies enjoy an 80kW rate, with 62 miles of range added in 30 minutes. An 11kW on-board charger is standard on all eDailies, with a 22kW option available.

How does it drive?
Externally, the eDaily looks very similar to its diesel sisters, and it’s the same story in the cabin. There’s no mistaking its LCV purpose, but a multifunction steering wheel and 7.0-inch colour touchscreen add car-like touches. All eDailies have a 90kW (119bhp) electric motor under ‘normal’ running conditions, but engage the ‘Hi-Power’ mode by depressing the accelerator pedal past its usual stop, and this is boosted to 100kW on single-battery models, and 140kW on two and three-battery versions for over two minutes. Peak torque is 221lb ft and 295lb ft respectively.
    
An additional three driving modes – Eco, Natural and Power – allow the matching of mode with individual mission, while the same number of regenerative braking settings – including a neat ‘Sailing’ mode, which effectively lets the van coast –  harvest energy back into the battery. The one-pedal mode isn’t quite that, but makes the van easy to drive around urban areas, along with the ‘City’ steering setting which can take out as much as 70 per cent of the effort for improved manoeuvrability. Comfort is improved in comparison to past Dailies by improved suspension and steering set-ups, and our two-battery test van felt responsive and agile.

What does it cost?
Excluding VAT, the Iveco eDaily range starts at £55,750, rising to £103,320.

Why does my fleet need one?
With such a number of versions available, the new Iveco eDaily straddles the line between traditional light commercials and light trucks. This means there will be a model for every need and fleet, made even more flexible by the modular battery set-up. The eDaily does come at a price, but for those who value versatility and practicality above all else or need a more individual solution, there is little else to beat it.