LEVC electric L380 MPV for sale in China

The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) is selling its new L380 multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in China.

It will then go on sale in other global markets, with a UK version due within the next two years. 

Pricing for the Chinese market starts from about NZ$85,500 (379,900 renminbi or RMB) rising to about NZ$108,000 (479,900 RMB) for the top spec model.

LEVC’s EV platform space-oriented architecture (SOA), co-developed with the Geely Holding Group, is introduced in the L380, with further SOA-based models to be revealed.

The platform will broaden LEVC’s vehicle line-up, with new products that offer advances in range, efficiency, safety, charging time, durability, and connectivity, says LEVC.

Its L380 eight-seater was globally launched at the Internet International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wuzhen before about 1300 guests and media.

The L380 has flexible first class-style chairs which can be flipped down for sleeping, a “floating” dashboard, panoramic glass roof, front and rear electric motors in the top spec model which produce about 400kW power and 686Nm torque, doing the standard sprint in about 5.5 seconds.

The model has the world’s first CATL 3.0 Kirin battery with up to 140kWh capacity and 200Wh/kg cell energy density, enabling about 823km range (China Light-Duty Vehicle Travel System).

LEVC says other L380 innovations include the world’s first combination of double ball joint McPherson suspension and air spring design, while CDC variable damping shock absorbers are also available.

“Additionally, L380 has been designed with safety in mind, it is the only model in its class equipped with airbags for all three rows of passengers, with 11 in total.

“It is expected to achieve a full five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests, with a strong focus on occupant protection, pedestrian protection, child protection and driver assistance systems.”

The L380 incorporates digital platform technology L-OS – a new electronic architecture from chip to cloud, including driver-assistance systems and intelligent cockpits, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, plus multiple seating configurations – available in a three, six or eight-seat layout.

Final specifications for markets outside of China will be revealed in coming months.

 “Our brand is rapidly accelerating its transition from manufacturing the world’s most advanced and iconic taxi, to becoming a leading e-mobility technology company and, with that, we are building on our place within the Geely Holding Group, maximising the group’s research and development capabilities, global supply chain and manufacturing resources to enable us to meet our ambitious targets,” says LEVC chief executive Alex Nan.

 “The innovative SOA technology – developed alongside Geely – is spearheading our exciting new strategy that will see the business take a global approach, growing our footprint across the world, with multiple new models based on the SOA platform leading the way.”