LEVC launches its first all-electric model
LEVC, also known as the London Electric Vehicle Company since it was based on the iconic black cab maker, explains that the LEVC L380 targets international markets. This points to the electric van being exported in future, but LEVC has not designated any countries (nor has the model a lefthand drive).
Pricing has yet to be out, but the press information offered a few more technical details—the 200 kW motor reportedly couples with an NMC battery from CATL. LEVC adds that there will be two battery options with 100 and 116 kWh, which should enable a range of up to 570 kilometres or up to 675 kilometres according to Chinese standards.
The model is officially called the Xspace MPV L380 and measures around 5.30 metres on a wheelbase of 3.19 metres. The code number 380 indicates the model’s spaciousness, as the manufacturer claims it offers space “like in an Airbus A380”.
The van utilises the ‘Space Oriented Architecture’ platform SOA, which LEVC presented in May 2023. It is a modification of Geely’s ‘Sustainable Experience Architecture’ for commercial vehicles. Models from Geely-owned brands using the SEA range from the Smart #1 to the large Zeekr 009 and Volvo EM90 vans, which are essentially comparable to the LEVC L380. However, the vans from Geely and Volvo are designed for the private customer market with numerous luxury features, while LEVC focuses on fleet customers.
In Europe, the UK-based company is best known for the TX black cabs, which use a range extender that provides 333 miles in driving with a pure EV range of about 78 miles. By December 2023, LEVC says its cars made up over 50% of all licensed taxis in London.
The company announced its plan to go fully electric in January 2023 with a significant (undisclosed) investment from Geely. The Chinese group took complete control of LEVC in 2013 and has since invested at least half a billion pounds even before the new BEV van.
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