The Ford E-Transit has been nothing short of a resounding success, both in the U.S. and other markets where the all-electric van is sold – such as van-hungry Europe. Ford recently updated the European E-Transit by adding a new minibus conversion, a standard heat pump for extended range models, and a new extended range battery with 89 kWh of usable capacity, improving its estimated range to 402 kilometers (250 miles) on the WLTP cycle, which is 28 percent more than the outgoing standard range model. However, the E-Transit is now facing a new competitor in that same market – the BYD E-Vali.
The BYD E-Vali was designed specifically for the European market and last-mile/courier customers, and will be sold in two different sizes – 3.5-ton and 4.25-ton versions. Additionally, customers can opt for either a single motor rear-wheel drive version with 201 horsepower, or a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant with 335 horsepower. Maximum payload comes in at 1,450 kilograms (3,196 pounds), depending on spec, and the BYD E-Vali is equipped with the automaker’s Blade 80.64 kWh battery pack delivering 220-250 kilometers (136-155 miles) of range on the European WLTP cycle, which can also be used to power other devices.
In terms of charging, BYD says the E-Vali is capable of rates up to 188 kW, meaning that it can go from a 10-80 percent rate of charge in around 30 minutes, and a heat pump is included as standard. The interior is spartan but equipped with some welcome features such as a large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, power adjustable seats, a foldable table in the center console, a fridge, and the BYD App built in.
BYD is just in the midst of entering the European market, where it also plans to launch the ultra low-cost Seagull hatchback, among various other models. The Chinese automaker has been growing by leaps and bounds as of late, and recently announced that it has upped its sales goal for 2024 – which, if met, would put it perilously close to Ford’s global sales from 2023.
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