What's the news?
Both Peugeot and Citroen have revealed electric versions of their big vans, the Boxer and Relay, at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. The UK-based show is one of the largest van and truck shows in the world, so news on the hard-working vehicle front has been plentiful already this week, but these electric models are now taking centre stage.
Both vans are actually built in Italy, where PSA Group's partner in the project, BD Auto, takes Relay and Boxer bodyshells, and installs the electric drive hardware. Peugeot wants to have all its light commercial vehicles electrified by 2023, and Citroen wants to do the same by 2025. The Boxer and Relay twins are the first step on that road.
Both will run for around 230km on a full charge for the short wheelbase versions, and around 272km for the longer-wheelbase variants. Philippe Narbeburu, Senior Vice-President, Light Commercial Vehicles Groupe PSA Business Unit: "In line with our 'Push to Pass' strategic plan, we are continuing to electrify our entire range. This new offer is a major competitive advantage for our brands in a very competitive LCV segment. This is an opportunity to strengthen our leadership in Europe by meeting the new needs of zero-emission driving without giving up the useful services related to the demanding uses of our professional customers."
PSA Group's smaller vans, Peugeot Expert and Traveller, Citroen Dispatch and SpaceTourer, Vauxhall Vivaro and Vivaro Life, will all offer an electrified version in 2020.
The two French brands are also showing off other, non-electric, models at the CV show including the new Peugeot Partner (with up to 4.4-sq metres of load space) and a ritzy Asphalt specification Partner, which includes automatic windscreen wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels, connected 3D navigation and surround rear vision with front and rear parking sensors, passenger side and rear cameras. Expert and Boxer models with updated engines, interiors, and new equipment are also on display.
Citroen has the Relay Ready to Run version, with a lower loading floor and an extra-spacious 'Luton Top' body; a Dispatch Enterprise M which comes with air conditioning, rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, the 'Moduwork' configurable passenger bench seat with through-loading bulkhead, an alarm, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, Citroën Connect Radio with seven-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, MirrorLink and coffee break alert.
There's also a Berlingo Van M BlueHDi 100 Worker edition which comes with extra ride-height, underbody protection, and 'Grip Control' for accessing difficult work sites. Oh, and to celebrate Citroen's 100th birthday this year, there will also be one of its iconic 'H' vans on display, one of the few that hasn't been converted into a hipster coffee shop at any rate...