LDV V80 and G10 van ranges revealed at CV Show 2016 in Birmingham
LDV returns to the UK with backing from Chinese SAIC Maxus and debuts and all-electric panel van
The LDV van brand has returned to the UK, and revealed its new range of vans and passenger vehicles at the Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham.
LDV’s return comes courtesy of its new owners – SAIC Maxus. Already one of the largest vehicle producers in the world, building over 6 million vehicles a year, the Chinese company also owns MG Motors, and plans to add an SUV and a pick-up to LDV’s range by 2020. The biggest announcement at the CV show came in the form of the EV80 – a large, fully electric version of the V80 panel van - and we were also treated to the smaller G10 panel van model.
The EV80 is fitted with a battery of up to 75kWh (depending on wheelbase), which the company claims will provide over 180 miles of range – though by its own estimates, real-world figures are more likely to be around the 100-mile mark. That’s around the claimed maximum range for the Nissan e-NV200, meaning the EV80 should be fairly competitive in the sector.
However, claimed charging time for the EV80 is still two hours at best, which won’t allow for high-mileage drivers who may need a quick top-up in the middle of the day.
The EV80 is an electrified version of the V80 panel van – itself a simple facelift of the LDV Maxus which has been sold in the UK before. The standard diesel V80 will still be available, and both vans have a hardwearing interior with an interesting central instrument binnacle. The EV80 has a payload ranging from 900kg to 1,250kg – not a lot compared to a conventionally powered alternative, but competitive for an electric vehicle.
The other LDV launch was the G10 – a mid-sized panel van which is also available as a luxurious MPV. At launch, the only engine available will be a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine pushing out a weedy 105bhp and mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. A 2.0-litre diesel will follow, as well as a manual transmission.
The G10 MPV will be available with a choice of five, seven or nine seats, with the latter configured in a curious 2-2-2-3 format. The van is not short of luxury kit, with a central touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, cruise control and keyless entry. LDV also claims a Lotus-calibrated chassis – but don’t expect it to handle like an Elise.
Both the G10 and EV80 will benefit from LDV’s five-year, 200,000-mile warranty, which also includes five years of roadside assistance. The reborn LDV currently has 11 UK dealers, but expects to add to this in coming years.
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