New Iveco eDaily: an electric utility vehicle with XXL autonomy cut out for pros

Announced at the end of September at the IAA Transportation show in Hanover, the new Iveco eDaily gains modularity and autonomy. We managed to go to the manufacturer’s headquarters in Turin for the first grip.

Between the proliferation of ZFEs, which are boosting demand, and the CO2 constraints imposed by Europe, things are accelerating in the utility market. Initially focused on the small and medium volume segments, the offensive of manufacturers now extends to heavy vehicles with an offer increasingly in line with the needs of professionals. Star of Iveco’s utility range, the Everyday comes in a new electric version with even more attractive features…

Tailor-made autonomy

One, two or three batteries. While most of its competitors rely on often strange technical configurations, the new Daily Electric updates the modularity map at the level of its batteries. A way to better adapt to different needs, but also to better spread costs.

Equipped with cells and modules from Chinese Microvast’s Berlin factory, the packs are built directly by FPT Industrial. Each pack has a nominal capacity of 37 kWh, including 35 useful kWh. The first is installed directly under the cabin and the other two under the chassis, in a file, to save loading volumes. Autonomy necessarily depends on the payload, but also on the chosen configuration. Starting from 80 to 120 km per pack, we can count on a maximum autonomy that can easily exceed 300 kilometers with the combined 111 kWh of the three battery packs (105 useful kWh). In the urban cycle, the manufacturer even promises up to 400 kilometers on a charge! In terms of warranty, Iveco plays a reinsurance card with the battery covered for 8 years and up to 250,000 km at 80% capacity.

GVW	1 battery	2 batteries	3 batteries
3.5t	120 km	235km	–
4.25t	110km	200 km	300 km
5.2t	–	185km	260 km
7.2 t	–	120 km	180 km

The Iveco eDaily in its three-battery configuration (the 3rd pack is placed under the cabin)

On the charging side, the electric utility of the Italian manufacturer is quite well calibrated. If we regret that the direct current load does not exceed 80 kW (especially in the configuration with 3 packs), the alternating current configuration can go up to 22 kW!

Interesting point: the new eDaily offers V2L functionality that allows the energy stored in the battery to be used as a charging solution for auxiliary devices. Although it may seem like a gadget in passenger cars, this solution makes perfect sense for professional applications where it is common to need to operate certain activity-critical electrical equipment. In practice, different levels are offered with power levels up to 15 kW for supplying chillers or specific equipment. For heavier applications, Iveco even offers an additional electric motor as an option.

Located in the grille, the charging hatch accepts the Combo connector

A complete set

Apart from some subtle aesthetic changes, the new electric Daily inherits the same lines as the thermal range. Decked out in the manufacturer’s new logo, it makes no concessions compared to its diesel cousins. Offered in van, cabin, double cabin, chassis or even minibus versions, the new electric Daily ranges from 3.5 to 7.2 tonnes GVW with versions with single wheels and twin wheels. It also has access to all equipment offered in the thermal range, but also to modifications by partner equipment manufacturers.

On the engine side, the configuration is unique but more versatile than some competitors. Supplied by French Actia, the new electric Daily’s engine delivers up to 140 kW (190 hp) of power and 400 Nm of torque for a top speed of 120 km/h. If perhaps a little tight for versions with a large PTAC, it is better than the new Renault Master which, with 57 kW and 100 km / h, remains confined to strictly urban and peri-urban use.

The new Daily clearly ignores connectivity, which has been important for pros. In addition to the mobile application that allows the driver to follow his journeys, his consumption and his level of autonomy, there is a more global portal intended for fleet managers. Like its predecessor, it incorporates voice commands with technology based on Amazon’s Alexa system.

A European production

Iveco’s parent company, FPT Industrial has given its own way to anticipate the explosion of electrification in the utility and heavy-duty segments. In Turin, the group inaugurated a new factory called ePowertrain a few weeks ago. Spread over a total area of 15,000 m², it includes three production lines respectively dedicated to the assembly of battery packs and various electric drive systems for medium and heavy vehicles.

At full capacity, the FPT plant will be able to produce more than 20,000 electric axles and 20,000 battery packs per year.

First laps

With only a 40 minute drive, our handling of the new eDaily is quick but enough to give you some numbers.

On the consumption side, we achieved an average of 35 kWh/100 km in a trip made mainly in extra-urban with very mild temperatures at the end of October and a payload of 60%, giving about 200 kilometers of range in the two-battery configuration of our test model. In town and subject to minimum eco-driving, we can count on 25 to 30 kWh/100 km of average consumption.

To save electrons, it is possible to activate several levels of regeneration, including the “e-pedal” mode that maximizes the effect of engine braking. Unfortunately, you always have to play with the gear selector to change regeneration. It is less convenient than the steering wheel paddle system.

It is also possible to choose from three driving modes. If the “Eco” mode seems a little lazy in extra-urban areas (we were a little scared when entering a roundabout), the “Normal” and “Sport” modes are more effective, especially if the cargo is fully exploited. If motorways and expressways are clearly not this electric Daily’s favorite playground, the 140 kW motor does the job and makes it easy to reach 120 km/h in the 3.5 t version of our test model. .

In terms of driving, the utility offers a variety of suspension settings and offers a surprisingly short turning radius. A good point for a vehicle designed largely for urban use.

All in all

At a time when companies are struggling to find electric solutions that meet their operating constraints in large vehicles, the new electric Daily is undoubtedly one of the most relevant proposals on the market thanks to its proper autonomy . and with its many customization possibilities.

It remains to be seen if the professionals will be able to solve the delicate economic equation. Expected in France at the beginning of 2023, the new eDaily is shown from €54,400 in the cab chassis version and €56,500 in a van… An access price that only includes a battery. Each additional pack is invoiced at €16,000, bringing the price of the van version to €88,500 with three batteries. Still expensive, but we seem to be on the right track…

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