5 most popular electric LCVs coming out this year (2023)

If your organization is looking into eLCV possibilities, you might be wondering what the best option is. The best electric LCV for your business depends greatly on your needs, however, a key consideration will likely be around charging. 

To help you compare 2023’s most anticipated electric light commercial vehicles, we’ve compiled below 5 of the most prominent models across Europe or the US, including how long they take to charge. 

This article features the 5 most anticipated eLCV models (click for quick access):

• Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech
• Fourgonnette Panel Van
• Rivian Commercial Van
• Mercedes Benz eSprinter 2.0
• BrightDrop Zevo

Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech

Renault is not new to the electric light commercial vehicle space, with its Master E-Tech released in 2022. For 2023, it’s electrifying the highly successful Kangoo LCV, under the badge name Kangoo Van E-Tech. Like the Master E-Tech, the Kangoo boasts a large carrying capacity thanks to its efficient use of space by storing the battery under the floor. It’s also one of the few models capable of 22 kW AC charging, allowing it to quickly top up when needed without having to resort to DC fast charging. 

Renault Kangoo Van E-tech specs

Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech model variations

The Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech is available in two wheelbases (medium and long), both with a 45 kWh battery and 186 miles (299 km) range. 

Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech Range

The Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech has 186 miles (299 km) range. 

Renault Kangoo Van E-tech battery

The Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech has a 45 kWh battery. 

Renault Kangoo Van E-tech price

The Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech starts at €33,600*, depending on the configuration.

*The cost of a Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech can vary based on your location and dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took this estimated price from Renault’s French website.

Renault Kangoo Van E-tech release date

At the time of writing, the Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech is expected to start shipping across Europe in January 2023. 

Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech charging speed

The time it takes to charge up a Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech varies based on the power output and type of charger. We’ve calculated the charging time with the most common charging outputs at each charging level.

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability. The highest DC charging power is the maximum power supported by the vehicle.

Fourgonnette Panel Van

The Fourgonnette Panel Van is a collaboration between Italian coachbuilder Caselani and  Citroën’s design team to metamorphose the Citroën Berlingo into a 2CV van. Beyond its vintage looks, the Fourgonnette is a capable little van with up to 171 miles (275 km) range.

Fourgonnette Panel Van specs

The Fourgonnette is built on the same platform as the Citroën e-Berlingo, retaining many of the same characteristics. It comes in a single model, with a 50 kWh battery pack and 171 miles (275 km) range.

Fourgonnette Panel Van range

The Fourgonnette Panel Van has an estimated range of 171 miles (275 km).

Fourgonnette Panel Van battery

The Fourgonnette Panel Van comes with a 50 kWh battery.

Fourgonnette Panel Van price

At the time of writing, Citroën and Caselani haven’t released any information about the Fourgonnette Panel Van’s pricing.

Fourgonnette Panel Van release date

At the time of writing, Caselani is accepting pre-orders for the Fourgonnette Panel Van, with production expected to start in early 2023. 

Fourgonnette Panel Van charging speed

The time it takes to charge up a Fourgonnette Panel Van varies based on the power output and type of charger. We’ve calculated the charging time with the most common charging outputs at each charging level.

*These numbers provide a calculated estimation of charging times – from 0 to 100 percent (AC) and 20 to 80 (DC) percent state of charge (SOC) – and do not reflect actual charging times or real-life situations. For a more accurate representation of (or more information on) actual charging times, please refer to the original manufacturer or certified dealerships. The results are based on an equation that uses the standard battery size and average performance of charging stations as metrics and are rounded up for readability. The highest DC charging power is the maximum power supported by the vehicle.

Rivian Commercial Van

An established player in the electric truck and SUV market, Rivian is also building an electric van to enter the LCV space. The Rivian Commercial Van is pioneering the new RCV platform, allowing in-depth customization to meet the needs of various customers.

Rivian Commercial Van specs

Rivian Commercial Van model variations

1. The RCV EDV 500: The EDV 500 comes with up to 150 miles (241 km) range and 500 cubic feet (14.2 m3) carrying capacity. 
2. The RCV EDV 700: The EDV 700 comes with up to 150 miles (241 km) range and 660 cubic feet (18.7 m3) carrying capacity. 
3. The RCV EDV 900: The EDV 900 comes with up to 120 miles (193 km) range and 840 cubic feet (23.8 m3) carrying capacity. 
   

Rivian Commercial Van range

The Rivian Commercial Van comes with a range of up to 120 miles or 150 miles (193 or 241 km), depending on the model.

Rivian Commercial Van battery

At the time of writing, Rivian hasn’t announced battery capacities for the Commercial Van.

Rivian Commercial Van price

At the time of writing, Rivian hasn’t announced pricing for the RCV, and pricing is likely to vary greatly between vehicle specs.

Rivian Commercial Van release date

Rivian is currently taking preorders for the Rivian Commercial van and delivery is expected in early 2023.

Mercedes Benz E-Sprinter 2.0

After releasing in the European market in 2022, Mercedes is bringing its updated eSprinter 2.0 model to North America. Like its European counterpart, the new eSprinter will be highly customizable to meet the needs of any business, such as a bigger carrying capacity for higher payloads or even up-fitted with a dedicated chassis cab for ambulances. 

Mercedes Benz E-Sprinter 2.0 specs

Mercedes Benz E-Sprinter 2.0 model variations 

While Mercedes hasn’t confirmed model variations for the US market at the time of writing, the European model comes in 2 wheelbases and two battery capacities, 35 kWh and 47 kWh. 

Mercedes Benz E-Sprinter 2.0 range

Mercedes hasn’t confirmed the range for the new eSprinter, but claims it aims to double the current range of 85 to 100 miles (137 to 160 km).

Mercedes Benz E-Sprinter 2.0 battery

The new eSprinter is expected to ship with 3 battery capacities, although no specific numbers have been confirmed yet. For comparison, the European model comes with 35 kWh and 47 kWh battery options

Mercedes Benz E-Sprinter 2.0 price

Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing for the US market for the new eSprinter, however, the price for the European model range between €55,135 and €63,017*, depending on the model.

*The cost of a Mercedes Benz eSprinter can vary based on your location and dealership. At the time of writing this article, we took this estimated price from Mercedes’ Dutch catalog price.

Mercedes Benz E-Sprinter 2.0 release date

The new Mercedes E-Sprinter is expected to release in the US and Canada in the second half of 2023.

BrightDrop Zevo

Major automakers are taking notice of the rising demand for electric LCVs, and so is General Motors. The American carmaker created BrightDrop as a subsidiary to create electric LCVs specialized for last-mile delivery, with the BrightDrop Zevo being the first model from the new company.

BrightDrop Zevo specs

BrightDrop Zevo model variations

The BrightDrop Zevo comes in two models:

1. The BrightDrop Zevo 400: the Zevo 400 has an unannounced range and 410 cubic feet (12 m3) carrying capacity.
2. The BrightDrop Zevo 600: the Zevo 600 has an estimated range of 250 miles (400 km) and 600 cubic feet (17 m3) carrying capacity.

BrightDrop Zevo range and battery

While BrightDrop hasn’t announced battery sizes for either of its models, the Zevo 600 is announced to be capable of up to 250 miles (400 km) on a single charge. The Zevo 400’s range hasn’t been announced at the time of writing. 

BrightDrop Zevo release date

The BrightDrop Zevo is expected to start shipping in the US in 2023. 

Electric light commercial vehicles are developing rapidly, with each year expanding the range of new and existing models available. 2023 is shaping up to continue this trend, bringing a variety of new eLCVs that meet a range of needs. 

Listen to our last-mile delivery REVOLUTION Podcast episode

In our REVOLUTION Podcast (recorded live) we speak to industry experts about electric mobility and get tangible insights into how businesses can make the inevitable shift toward a more sustainable future.

While the last-mile delivery market is growing exponentially, companies around the globe are electrifying their fleets.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities that come with setting up a suitable charging infrastructure for last-mile logistics with our host Roger Atkins and industry expert Matthew Sudweeks-Ward, Group EV Commercial & Partnerships Director at TSG Group.

Listen to the episode directly