Peugeot to take on LDV, Mercedes in EV van market

Peugeot is the next company lining up to take on the electric commercial van sector with two plug-in vans, the e-Expert and e-Partner, scheduled to launch later this year. Although, that date is dependent on local distributors securing supply.

Speaking to EVs & Beyond, an Auto Distributors spokesperson has confirmed that it’s struggling to get supply of Peugeot LCV stock at the moment due to “production constraints” at Peugeot.

“Nevertheless, we are working with Peugeot France to get EV versions of the vans,” the spokesperson said, adding that the e-Partner will arrive in August or September, and the e-Expert “might arrive later Q4”.

“We are launching a new Partner Van 1.2 Petrol 8 speed auto in a couple of months and the EV version will follow two months after,” they said.

Pricing for the two models will be confirmed closer to launch.

The spokesperson added that there are no plans to bring in the full-size Peugeot e-Boxer, and currently no plans to bring in the e-Expert Hydrogen. “We want to focus on pure EV versions of commercial vehicles at this stage. Cell technology might come in the future,” they said.

Most local distributors that offer European marques often have to play second fiddle to the European market, which can result in low supply numbers. This has become a more critical trauma with electric vehicles.

The spokesperson confirmed that the e-Expert isn’t the only electric van on the brand’s horizon, with the e-Partner also destined to launch locally later this year. It’s set to beat the e-Expert to the market, launching in August or September.

The two new plug-in models add to Peugeot’s swelling electrified line-up. Last year it added the e-208 hatch and e-2008 crossover, as well as the 3008 Hybrid4 PHEV. A 308 PHEV is also on the way later this year.

Industry interest in plug-in commercials surged following the New Zealand Government’s announcement of the Clean Car Standard and Clean Car Discount. The latter’s second phase debuted on April 1, introducing added rebates to low-emission internal combustion vehicles and hybrids, and a levy to high-emission vehicles.

The latter is set to have a big impact on commercial utes and vans, casting a spotlight on the topic on the lack of electric options in the commercial market.

Currently, the LDV eDeliver 3 and eDeliver 9, Ford’s plug-in hybrid Transit Custom, and the Renault Kangoo EV are the only plug-in commercials on the market.

Mercedes-Benz is set to enter the market shortly with its eVito, eVito Touring, eSprinter, and EQV, Ford will soon launch its full-size E-Transit, and Opel looks set to bring in electric versions of the Combo, Vivaro, and Movano.