MAXUS is on the charge with another addition to its expanding battery powered line-up.
Given the distance it has travelled as a brand in a relatively short space of time there’s no doubt that MAXUS is committed to an aggressive and ambitious programme of expansion. It’s an attitude which is built on championing electric commercial vehicles, with the latest model to roll from its Chinese production facility delivering a level of quality that you would expect of the more established, premium players.
In the UK and Ireland, Dublin-based Harris Group is the distributor of these Shanghai Automotive Corporation (SAIC) built vans. Harris Group has called an impressive Liverpool office, workshop and warehouse facility home since September 2022 – from where it services its now 73 strong dealer network – and this was also the base for our recent test drive.
This is the third electric LCV to be added to the MAXUS range, slotting between the existing eDeliver3 and eDeliver9. Competing in the 3.5 tonne payload segment, the EDeliver7 has a builder friendly 1-tonne payload, and an anxiety easing 230mile range. Charging times are 43 minutes to 80% capacity when using a DC charger, or full charge in 8 – 9.3 hours with an AC charger. There two battery sizes on offer – 77kWh, 88kWh.
When approaching the vehicle first impressions are inevitably dominated by an intricate grille design that renders a unique road presence, with an almost woven texture that enhances the flowing lines and movement at the front end. The interior is similarly dominated by one feature and that’s the 12.3in. touch screen with access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also your window onto the convenience of the rear parking camera and a host of other vehicle settings.
There are, for instance, three regenerative braking levels at your fingertips. For the uninitiated this is the system through which EVs capture energy when the vehicle is decelerating and returns it to the main battery. If you’re not used to driving electric LCVs the highest setting can feel slightly aggressive at first but it will ultimately preserve more of the charge.
The driver’s seat provides further insight into features that are supplied as standard. There is, in fact, a generous level of functionality which includes the luxurious warmth of a heated leather steering wheel. On the road this electric vehicle exhibits all the benefits you would expect from this form of power with low noise, and plenty of acceleration – all from a satisfyingly high driving position.
So, coming to the business end of any van what can a builder expect to fit in the back? Well, quite a lot as it happens because there are three size configurations (L1H1, L2H1, L2H2) Access is a via a single sliding door, rear wing doors with 90°/180° opening, and tie-down loops. Load volumes range from 5.9m3 L2 H1 up to 8.7m3 on the largest L2 H2 variant.
It’s the same story with the safety technologies available which includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front & Rear Parking Sensor, Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Reversing Camera, Front Collision Warning System (FCW), and the aforementioned 360° Camera.
If that’s not enough then Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keeping, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Intelligent Headlight Control (IHC), Speed Limit Sign Identification System, and a Fatigue Driving Monitoring and Early Warning System.
Telematics and connectivity
It should, of course be recognised that transitioning from diesel to electric does require a different mindset. It will need more forward planning in how you manage charging levels, for example, but a very useful tool in smoothing your path is the MAXUS Intelligence Onboard system. Powered by Geotab, the world’s number one telematics solution, and a company that can count Amazon and the US Federal Government as clients, it provides real time date on the status of vehicles.
Even if you only own one van rather than a small fleet the information it collects represent a host of useful insights. In usage it will build up a comparison on running costs compared to an internal combustion engine powered diesel. Alerts will be sent to the end user if the vehicle suddenly stops charging, which means your vehicle will always be ready to go when you need it, and there’s live vehicle tracking. Free for the first 12 months, Maxus Intelligence Onboard is then £15 per month per vehicle. The amount of data visible through the app or the online dashboard can be tailored to usage and, by providing a full history of vehicle usage, it is envisaged that it will help with depreciation and resale value.
All MAXUS vehicles come with a five-year warranty or 60,000 miles and include five years roadside assistance cover as standard. There’s an eight-year warranty on the battery. Maxus might still be an unfamiliar name to many but with the automotive direction of travel firmly on an electric avenue – and with products that bear favourable comparison with some of the more exalted names – that is a situation that’s destined to change.
For further information on the MAXUS eDeliver7 visit eDELIVER 7 | MAXUS Electric Vehicles and Vans (saicmaxus.co.uk).
Take it to the MAXUS
Battery technology has advanced at pace and that means even the biggest beasts in the commercial world can now take advantage of the CO2 saving, zero emissions technology. The eDeliver9 is the EDeliver7’s larger sibling and, with a range of 219 miles, it can outperform many of the more established names in the large van sector. It is supplied with a 150Kw / 310Nm motor, and a choice of three battery configurations – 51.5Kwh, 72Kwh and 88.55 Kwh with A/C & DC charging as standard. The maximum payload across the variants is with volumes ranging from 9.7m3 to 11m3. All vans get a single sliding side door and have bright LED lighting, 8 tie down points and a non-slip protective floor covering.
For further information on the MAXUS eDeliver9 visit eDELIVER 9 | MAXUS Electric Vehicles and Vans (saicmaxus.co.uk).
