How is China's new energy sector breaking into the European market? Europe, known for its extensive road network, has a strong automotive culture centered not only on family cars but also on freight transportation. BYD is set to venture into this new area with its latest vehicle, the E-Vali: a large electric van designed specifically for the European market. It is poised to become a formidable competitor to the Ford E-Transit, Renault Master E-Tech, and Fiat E-Ducato.
The target market for BYD's E-Vali is urban last-mile parcel delivery services, largely thanks to its massive cargo space. The standard version (3.5 GVM) measures 5.995 mm in length, 2.780 mm in height, 2.096 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 3.860 mm, offering a cargo volume of up to 13.9 cubic meters.
If that’s not enough for your business, the extended wheelbase version (4.25 GVM) is 6.995 mm long and can accommodate up to 17.9 cubic meters of cargo. For comparison, the largest Ford E-Transit offers 15.1 cubic meters of cargo space.
BYD states that the E-Vali is tall enough for drivers to stand upright when entering the cargo area, reducing the strain of loading and unloading goods. The van is also equipped with sliding side doors, wide-opening rear doors, and foldable seats.
Although BYD’s van can carry more cargo than Ford’s, its range per charge is shorter. The single-motor version delivers 201 horsepower, while the dual-motor version provides 335 horsepower. Both versions of the E-Vali are powered by an 80.64 kWh “Blade” battery, offering a range of 137 to 155 miles before the battery is depleted. In comparison, the Ford E-Transit’s range is between 211 and 249 miles, depending on the model. This is surprising, given that Ford’s battery is only 68 kWh. So, the exact range will have to be confirmed once the vehicle hits the market.
With a maximum charging speed of 188 kW, BYD can at least charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This makes it the fastest-charging electric van available in Europe, far surpassing the Fiat E-Ducato’s mere 50 kW charging speed, showcasing Chinese automakers’ superior capabilities. It also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, meaning the main battery can power external devices — a well-established BYD tradition. Additionally, the van comes standard with a heat pump for cabin heating in cold weather, helping to preserve as much driving range as possible.
For easier access for drivers and couriers, there’s a foldable table hidden in the central console. Inside the cabin, the E-Vali’s dashboard and central display retain BYD’s standard design, but with a more practical touch and plenty of storage space. Rumor has it there’s even a hidden fridge and foldable seats, further enhancing its utility.
