Significant upgrades to the Stellantis electric vans from Citroen, Fiat Professional, Peugeot and Opel (plus Vauxhall in Northern Ireland ) brands are on the way. In all, the 12 vehicles will offer boosted ranges, as well as other technology updates.
Stellantis has just unveiled its new electric van line-up under its ‘Pro One’ banner and this is a part of its strategic offensive in the light commercial vehicles market. It says that it involves a focus on unparalleled capability, safety and versatility for business and professional customers.
Its compact electric van ranges, marketed separately as the Citroen e-Berlingo, Fiat E-Doblo, Opel Combo Electric and Peugeot e-Partner will all show increases in their promised ranges to circa 330 kilometres between charges. This is a promise of about 48 kilometres more than currently available.
There will also be a larger 10-inch infotainment display added and Dynamic Surround Vision using exterior cameras that provide a 360-degree camera view around the vehicle, which is a good aid for navigating traffic and crowded streets.
You’ll also get 100 per cent connectivity, and up to 18 upgraded advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS ). A e-PTO (electric Power Take off ) innovative solution enables usage of the traction battery for conversions. Overall, Stellantis says it will provide a stress-free environment for drivers and a reliable business partner to commercial vehicle owners.
Moving up in size to its medium electric van line-up, there is also a promised increase in range for the Citroen e-Dispatch, Fiat E-Scudo, Opel Vivaro Electric and Peugeot e-Expert.
Their battery packs offer 50 or 75 kilowatt-hours (kWh ) and promise up to circa 360 kilometres of range, while also receiving the same interior upgrades as the compact vans.
The Stellantis large electric line-up, which includes the Citroen e-Relay, Fiat E-Ducato, Vauxhall/Opel Movano Electric and Peugeot e-Boxer – receives a larger 110kWh battery, delivering a promised range of 420 kilometres.
A good boost (excuse the pun ) to that, is the company's claim that fast charging at 150kw will take the large van’s battery from 0-80 per cent in less than an hour.
Also in the case of the large vans, Stellantis says that driver focused technologies include class-leading Level 2 assisted driving solution via the combination of ‘Adaptive Cruise Control’ with stop-and-go function, ‘Lane Centering’ and ‘Traffic Jam Assist’.
Also, a new generation of the internal combustion engine mates with an eight-speed automatic transmission for improved range and capability. The larger vans also get the same interior upgrades as their fellow compact and medium van counterparts.
Additional technologies include a regenerative braking system, activated via steering wheel paddles, which takes into account vehicle weight and road dynamics to maximise energy recovery. A heat pump in BEV compact vans optimises energy usage in cold and winter conditions to maximise vehicle range.
All new commercial vans from Stellantis will now be equipped with full LED headlights for enhanced vision and safety. A new generation of human-machine interface (HMI ) that enhances productivity and safety is also included. Instrument clusters and centre displays are larger and configurable by the driver.
A 400V e-Power Take Off (ePTO ) brings electrification across the range of commercial vehicles without compromising the vehicle’s payload. The ePTO draws its power from the installed traction battery instead of requiring a separate power source.
Stellantis also says that the upgrades will not compromise the vans capabilities, such as carrying capacities.
Hydrogen fuel-cell
A second generation of hydrogen powered mid-size vans will also launch in the middle of next year, with a promised range of up to 401km of range.
It also says that hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion will be expanded to its large vans in 2024, with a promised range up to 500 kilometres and a refill time of five minutes.
“The essence of our customer-centric renewal of our entire van lineup is no compromise – in range, capability, safety and connectivity,” said Luca Marengo, global head of product – serial life for the Stellantis commercial vehicles business unit.
