Last month we finally saw the return of the UK Commercial Vehicle Show and there were some showstoppers to say the least! Following the cancellation of the 2020 event, the organisers moved the 2021 CV Show from the traditional April date to the end of August, and compared with previous years there were noticeably fewer exhibitors than previous years. But, worry not. Although there may have been fewer stalls, the vans that were showcased did not disappoint.
From Vauxhall to Toyota, some of the biggest Van brands in the UK showcased the latest tech and concepts. Let’s take a look at some of the top vans to watch from the Commercial Vehicle Show 2021.
What is the Commercial Vehicle Show?
The annual CV Show takes place every year in Birmingham and has a plethora of up and coming product launches. The commercial vehicle show has some of the biggest names in the van world attend and is a key date in any van enthusiast’s calendar. With the global pandemic shutting down last year’s event, we’ve not had a show since April 2019 but, the organisers were committed to holding a show in 2021.
The Commercial Vehicle Show is the largest and most comprehensive recognised industry-leading road freight transport, distribution and logistics event staged in Britain. If you are a truck and van operator then this is essentially an annual shopping trip and meeting place, for sector suppliers the ultimate showcase for their products and services.
Show-Stopping Commercial Vans
1) Volkswagen e-Transporter
The Volkswagen e-Transporter was an interesting contender at this year’s CVS. Unlike the Volkswagen e-Crafter, the e-Transporter is a collaborative effort between Volkswagen and the German tuning company ABT.
The all-new electric van is now on sale in the UK and comes with a 37.3kWh battery pack (offering a 129-mile range), or with a 74.6kWh battery (delivering up to 250 miles). The single battery model offers a payload of 1,186kg, with the larger battery pack reducing carrying capacity to 695kg. The impressive range offers support for 50kW DC fast charging, which allows the battery to recover an 80% charge in under 45 minutes. The battery pack can also be topped up using a domestic 7.4kW AC wallbox charger, which will provide a full recharge in around five and a half hours.
Volkswagen has stated that the call for more sustainable vans has never been louder. This issue that many manufacturers have found was that sustainability often means cancelling out the need for them to be robust and dependable. But not with the e-Transporter. Not only is it sustainable but it is built to last.
2) Ford Transit Custom
Yes, of course, we had to include a Ford Transit Custom in the list. But, this Transit comes with a twist. Later this year, Ford will be updating its full-size Transit with a range-topping 185bhp version of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine to be offered in both Transit and Transit Custom.
Ford will be able to deliver both sustainability and power with their new hybrid van. The hybrid van, offering the best of both worlds, is expected to go on sale towards the end of this year, promising drivers a much-improved fuel economy. The vans batteries are fitted under the floor, meaning that it has exactly the same 6 cubic metre capacity as the diesel-powered Transit Custom that it’s based on.
Battery charging is fairly simple and can be completed using a standard three-pin socket in around four and a half hours, while a 16-amp Type 2 charger will give it a full charge in just over two and a half hours.
3) Vauxhall Vivaro-e
The all-electric Vauxhall Vivaro-e, arguably, is one of the best electric vehicles currently for sale in the UK right now. Based on the diesel Vivaro, the Vivaro-e features an electric motor where the engine would normally be with a tucked away battery pack under the cargo floor. With this layout, you get the same cargo space as it is in the diesel, and there are two-panel van lengths available, as well as a five-seat Doublecab version.
In the Vivaro-e you will find the same 50kWh battery pack as you’ll find in cars such as the Peugeot e-2008 and the Vauxhall Corsa-e (or you can go for a bigger 75kWh battery). The batteries give the Vivaro-e a quoted range of 144 or 205 miles, making it the van with one of the best ranges for any electric van for sale today, and is around 50 miles longer than the range quoted for either the Mercedes eVito or Volkswagen ABT e-Transporter.
There’s no doubt that both exhibitors and visitors were exercising caution this year but nevertheless, there was a great turnout. The world of commercial vans is changing and whether you drive a new van or prefer to lease, more sustainable options are coming your way. To find the perfect van for you, contact our team today.