The recent Commercial Vehicle Show featured key electric van and pick-up truck product debuts from established manufacturers as well as newcomers to the UK market.
Transport News Brief takes a look at some of the electric vehicle highlights from this year’s event.
ISUZU
Isuzu unveiled its new D-Max fully electric pick-up truck at the event, equipped with a dual-motor electric powertrain that provides full-time all-wheel-drive.
The vehicle is based on the existing diesel D-Max and offers the same one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity.
To improve refinement, the D-Max EV features an all-new De-Dion rear suspension, replacing the traditional leaf spring setup, which delivers improved handling.
It is also equipped with multi-level regenerative braking, Eco mode, and a lithium-ion battery, and comes with a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles.
A 66.9kWh battery enables a driving range of about 150 miles and supports DC fast charging at 50kW – enough for a 10% – 80% charging in one hour.
The result is 0 to 62mph acceleration in 10.1 seconds, and a top speed of more than 80mph.
Pre-sales for D-Max EV will begin in the second half of 2025, following the pricing announcement.
The first models will arrive in the UK in February 2026 with customer deliveries to follow in March 2026.
Alan Able, Managing Director of Isuzu UK, said: “Showcasing the left-hand drive version at the Commercial Vehicle Show puts us at the heart of this historic launch, and we’re already working with fleet customers to ensure they can begin evaluating the D-Max EV well ahead of the right-hand drive version arriving in early 2026.
“This milestone represents a major step forward in our electrification journey, and we’re thrilled to be leading the charge here in the UK.”
KIA
Meanwhile, Kia launched its PV5 model as it enters the commercial vehicle market in the UK for the first time.
The PV5 Cargo uses the purpose-built E-GMP.S platform and is manufactured in two body lengths with a high roof option on the longer body.
Its Standard Range van has a 51.4kWh battery and provides a range of up to 181 miles, while the Long Range comes with a 71.2kWh unit and can cover 247 miles between charges.
Every PV5 variant offers 400V fast charging capability, which means when connected to a 150kW charging point the PV5’s battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
Also, a single motor powers the front wheels, developing 163PS and 250Nm.
The van/cargo version will be followed later this year by a passenger variant aimed at the private hire sector.
Kia also announced it will launch a dedicated network of 45 professional business van (PBV) centres across the UK later this year.
Paul Philpott, president & CEO of Kia UK, said: “The launch of Kia PBVs is the greatest change Kia has undergone since it entered the UK car market over three decades ago.
“We very much look forward to forming new relationships and helping businesses switch to electric with the Kia PV5.”
RENAULT
Renault displayed itsTrafic, Goelette and Estafette vehicles – all designed to optimise load capacity.
The three are based on the new Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture, which has been created by Renault Group’s Ampere sub-brand.
According to Renault, the vans have a range of up to 280 miles, while charging speeds are fast enough to get the battery from 15 to 80 per cent capacity in 20 minutes.
FARIZON
Also, China-based CV Show-newcomer Farizon exhibited the L1 H1 and L2 H2 versions of its SV electric model, as well as its L3 H3 electric vehicle for the first time.
On its stand was an SV converted by Paneltex, the specialist in temperature-controlled vehicle body building and conversions.
The refrigerated Farizon SV can maintain temperatures of 0°C thanks to a GAH refrigeration unit driven by the SV’s own high voltage electrical architecture.
Motexion, a specialist in producing premium interior flooring, lining, and bulkheads for commercial vehicles, displayed a Farizon SV equipped with its cargo-carrying protection products.
Visitors saw the SV’s cargo area fitted with bespoke flooring, side and roof linings, as well as wheel arch covers.
Farizon also announced Locks 4 Vans as its recommended security partner, providing hook locks, slamlocks, surface-mounted statement locks and a range of shielding products.
Kate McLaren, Head of Marketing and Sales Operations at Jameel Motors UK, distributor of Farizon vehicles, said: “The CV Show has been a great opportunity for us to showcase that the Farizon SV is ready for work, and can be adapted by approved specialist partners to meet specific use cases.
“Built for business, and setting a new benchmark in the electric van market, the SV’s advanced tech delivers tangible practical benefits for users, and these conversions further enhance our offering to customers.”
FORD
The latest electric Transit line up was on display on the Ford stand – E-Transit Courier, plug-in hybrid variants of the Transit Connect and Transit Custom, the E-Transit Custom and the new E-Transit enhanced range – each available with full connectivity to Ford Pro’s supporting services.
Ford also gave the new Ranger Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) its UK debut, complete with a new powertrain matching its 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a 102hp motor, an 11.8kWh (usable) battery and a 10‑speed automatic gearbox.
This delivers a target EV range above 26 miles and full charge in under four hours using a wall box.
In addition, Ford Pro launched its Power Promise at the CV Show – a package designed for small business customers looking to make the switch to electric, including support in the areas of charging, vehicle management software, and warranties.
RENAULT TRUCKS
On the Renault Trucks stand was an all-electric Renault Trucks Master E-Tech L3H2 4000 kgs GVW panel van.
Featuring a completely redesigned motor and an 87kWh battery, the E-Tech Master delivers a WLTP range of 286 miles.
Capable of charging at 130kW DC, it also features an optional vehicle-to-load (V2L) system, allowing tools and equipment to be powered directly from the van.
