An electric van can travel even in city centers for last-mile co-delivery and the same practicality as a 2-thermal model. As a result, electric vehicles are establishing themselves as one of the most viable options for the emerging "environmental" demands of short-distance transportation, and manufacturers are reacting. Toyota is the final company to unveil a battery-powered version of its Proace CITY compact van, resulting from a partnership with the ex-PSA: Toyota Proace CITY Electric.
The Toyota Proace CITY Electric keeps practical measures and characteristics the same while combining them with the requirements of sustainable mobility. It is also available in a Verso multi-space passenger variant with 5 or 7 seats, a standard (4.4 m) and long (4.75 m) wheelbase, and load and towing capacities of 800 and 750 kg, respectively. The commercial launch will commence in France, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom in the fourth quarter of 2021, followed by the other European nations in Italy in the first quarter of 2022.
Being the electric twin of the corresponding Citroen -Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner, and Opel Combo-e models, Opel Combo Cargo, comes the electric, Proace City Electric, with 100 kW or 136 hp engine and 260 Nm of torque, front-wheel drive, and lithium-ion pack consisting of 216 cells organized in 18 modules.
The 50 kWh capacity allows you to drive up to 280 kilometers and attain a top speed of 135 km/h. Furthermore, a cooling system that maintains the optimal temperature in climatic circumstances ranging from -40 to +55 ° C ensures the battery's efficiency and operation. Again, the three driving modes Eco, Normal, and Power are always accessible, which change the operational logic of the electric powertrain, restricting the power and torque actually supplied in the first two instances to benefit distance.
In terms of charging, all versions come standard with a 7 kW single-phase charger capable of charging the battery to 100 percent in around 7.5 hours. Customers can also choose the 11 kW three-phase charger, which reduces the total recharge time to 5 hours. On the other hand, the Toyota electric van recovers 80 percent of the reserve in just 30 minutes with the 100 kW rapid charge columns.
Regardless, the Toyota Proace City Electric is available in two trim levels: Base and Comfort, with the latter adding 16-inch wheels, loading from the side doors, and the Smart Cargo load extension system. In addition, the all-electric vans have extra functions and information on battery state and energy usage on the 10-inch touchscreen.
In terms of safety, the new electric commercial vehicle is outfitted with the Toyota Safety Sense active safety package, which comprises a variety of driver aid technologies. The features are Lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control with signal recognition, blind-spot monitoring, driver fatigue control, and a 180-degree rearview camera.
