Price
Depending on the version, the e-Daily has a payload of up to 4.6 tonnes and, with a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, just as much as a Daily with a diesel engine. That is already unique in the segment of light e-utility vehicles. However, the electric van is also quite expensive to buy: for the e-Daily 35514E with a flatbed, the Italians charge a self-assured 81,697 euros gross, and for the panel van it is even a proud 88,835 euros. In contrast, a Mercedes e-Sprinter or the Ford E-Transit are almost considered bargains that save a few thousand euros in a direct comparison.
3 Modular Battery Levels
However, Iveco is proud of the batteries, which are said to have a usable energy density of high 95 percent. In addition, the electric Daily can be individually customised for the respective application. A total of three battery packs are available, each with a capacity of 37 kWh. If the customer chooses the basic storage depot, the electric vehicle can travel up to 120 kilometres according to the WLTP standard. With two packs it is up to 235 kilometres and with the third lithium-ion pack and a total capacity of 111 kWh, the operating range increases to a maximum of 300 kilometres. The good thing about this is that if the intended use changes at a later date and the e-Daily goes from the last mile in the city to longer trips in the future, the modular battery packs can still be upgraded to up to 111 kWh by the specialist workshop.
Charging
At a quick-charging station, the van with one battery pack needs around 64 minutes to fill its batteries from 20 to 80 per cent. With the second battery pack it is 58 minutes and with the third pack the period is 90 minutes. With its standard 11 kW AC charger, the Iveco needs a good eight hours until it is "fully fuelled". The cab can be heated or cooled in advance without having to draw the necessary energy from the vehicle's batteries. The driver can also monitor the current state of charge live at any time remotely via a smartphone app. Alternatively, the charging status can also be determined directly at the front connection, which is located behind an easily accessible flap.
Electric Engine
The electric motor of the new Iveco has an output of 140 kW (190 hp). The maximum torque is 400 Newton metres. Accordingly, the e-Daily pulls away powerfully - up to a top speed of 120 km/h if necessary. Three driving modes can be selected via a switch on the centre console, in which the e-transporter sprints off beyond the normal mode using the overboost function or saves additional energy via the eco mode.
In addition, the eDaily offers several recuperation levels. To do this, the driver simply moves the selector lever to the left into a separate lane. In the highest level, One-Pedal-Driving, the most energy is recovered. Then the electric Daily already decelerates so much that the driver hardly needs to apply the brakes when the accelerator pedal is pressed. as soon as it rolls up to a traffic light. This is not only comfortable and reduces power consumption, but also noticeably reduces wear on the brake pads.
Iveco claims that the maintenance costs for the electric Daily are 50 percent lower than for the diesel. In addition, an eight-year warranty promise of up to 250,000 kilometres is intended to inspire confidence in the battery technology. Should the battery capacity drop below 80 per cent during this time, Iveco simply replaces the storage depot. This should convince both tradesmen and fleets.
If one disregards the high purchase price, the Iveco e-Daily with its many configuration options undoubtedly does a good job. (Guido Borck/cen)
