On September 16. at the 2024 Hannover International Motor Show in Germany, BYD unveiled its all-electric light commercial vehicle, the E-VALI, which is essentially a van. This vehicle is specifically designed for the European market and is equipped with an 80.64 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, offering an all-electric driving range of 220-250 km.
The launch of the E-VALI marks a new strategic move by BYD in the electric commercial vehicle sector. The E-VALI van comes in two versions: a 3.5-ton and a 4.25-ton model, positioning it as a strong competitor against classic vans such as the Renault Master E-Tech, Ford E-Transit, and Fiat E-Ducato.
Dimensions
In terms of size, the standard version (3.5-ton model) measures 5995mm in length, 2096mm in width, and 2780mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3860mm and a cargo space of up to 13.9 cubic meters. The long-wheelbase version (4.25-ton model) extends to a length of 6995mm, increasing the cargo capacity to 17.9 cubic meters, offering exceptional load capacity for freight transport.
Performance
The single-motor, two-wheel-drive version delivers a maximum horsepower of 201. while the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive version boasts up to 335 horsepower. Both versions are powered by an 80.64 kWh "blade" battery, with a maximum range of 220-250 km.
The vehicle supports a maximum charging power of 188 kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Will BYD Release a Hybrid RV Based on the E-VALI?
Given the van’s spacious design, converting it into an RV would not be difficult. However, since the E-VALI is an all-electric vehicle with a maximum range of 250 km, it may not meet the needs of everyday use. A hybrid RV would be the ideal solution.
Although BYD has two mature hybrid systems—DM-i and DM-P—these are mainly designed for passenger cars and are not suitable for larger vehicles like vans. Light commercial vehicles are better suited for rear-wheel-drive designs, whereas BYD's hybrid systems are primarily front-wheel-drive. That being said, the BYD T5DM, a hybrid light van launched in January, could serve as a technical reference for a potential hybrid version of the E-VALI. However, BYD may not be very keen on developing a hybrid RV based on this platform.
Conclusion
The launch of the BYD E-VALI marks a significant step in the company's commercial vehicle development, as well as a proactive response to environmental concerns. How will the E-VALI perform after its European market debut? Beyond the vehicle itself, European tariff policies will also pose a considerable challenge.
