New vans to be launched in the UK
In an exciting development for the automobile industry, a series of brand new vans is scheduled to be launched in the UK in 2024. With a focus on innovation, design, and performance, these upcoming models aim to revolutionise the way businesses approach transportation and logistics. From updated diesel engines to new electric and hydrogen-powered models with advanced safety systems and versatile cargo capacities, these new vans promise to offer a range of options to meet the diverse needs of businesses.
In this article we’ll shed some light on new van models set to go on sale, highlighting their key features. Stay tuned for an exciting future on the roads of the UK as this new fleet of vans prepares to make its mark!
Ford Transit Custom EV
Ford’s range of hybrid and electric commercial vehicles is continuously growing. The manufacturer is determined to ensure the brand’s viability beyond the 2030 sales ban on petrol and diesel. After a successful run with the e Transit, Ford now took a bold stride by electrifying the UK’s top-selling medium van, the Transit Custom.
Extended range thanks to heat pump technology
The E-Transit Custom EV boasts an impressive electric range of up to 236 miles. This sets a new ground in the medium electric van sector. The remarkable result achieved by the e-Custom vans can be attributed to the inclusion of vapor-injected heat pump technology. This feature plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency. Moreover, it’s available as standard in all new Transit Custom electric vans. All in all, the new heat pump is a key factor in achieving the extended range offered by the new Ford model.
Fast charging
The Transit Custom electric van offers two power motor outputs. Drivers can choose between 100 kW or 160 kW (equivalent to 135 PS or 217 PS). The vehicle also supports DC fast charging up to 125 kW. Consequently, the van can be recharged from 15% to 80% as quickly as in 41 minutes. Furthermore, according to the tests, it can get 24 miles within just five minutes using a 125 kW charger. In addition, the Custom EV is also equipped with an 11 kW AC onboard charger. It allows drivers to fully recharge the battery overnight in just 7.8 hours. As a result, the vehicle is always ready for the day ahead. It’s also worth adding that every purchase or lease of the E-Transit Custom includes a complimentary 12-month subscription to the Blue Oval Charging Network. The subscription grants customers convenient access to public charging facilities.
A unique look of the electric Custom van
Apart from the obvious differences under the bonnet, Ford modified the standard Custom to give the electric version a unique and distinctive appearance. The electric Transit Custom features new LED headlights and tail lights. In addition, there are running lights along the bonnet, along with a diamond-patterned grille embellished with an “E” badge.
In terms of carrying abilities, the Ford Transit Custom electric offers load volumes from 5.8 to 9.0 m3. Meanwhile, the payload capacity is up to 1,100 kg. The van also has a maximum load length of 3,450 mm. Furthermore, it can tow up to 2 tonnes, which is 800kg less than the standard Custom van.
When and how much?
Production of the electric Ford E-Transit Custom has just begun at the firm’s plant in Turkey. The first models are expected to roll out of the factory by Spring 2024. The prices should start from around £39,500 (ex VAT). However, with the Plug-in van grant, buyers (and those leasing) of the new Transit Custom EV can get it for £5,000 less. This price point is approximately £6,000 higher compared to the Transit Custom PHEV. Nevertheless, it is similar to the pricing of the Vauxhall Vivaro-E.
2024 Renault Master
Renault is currently working on updating its large van range. This initiative is aimed at refreshing an older version that has been on sale since 2010. The current Renault Master is one of the oldest LCVs on the market and shows its age. It looks rather dull and uninspired.
New look inside and out
As can be seen in the official photos, the all-new Master is designed to match the recently launched Kangoo and other vans in the Renault commercial lineup. The 2024 Renault Master’s body is sleeker compared to the old version. This makes the van more attractive and enhances its aerodynamics. Consequently, the van will offer increased fuel economy and eco-friendliness. Inside, there are also notable changes similar to the Renault Kangoo. The outdated infotainment system in today’s model will be replaced by a more car-like system in the new Renault Master. The large van also has a brand new interior with an S-shaped dashboard facing the driver, creating a spacious feel. Standard features include a 10-inch touchscreen, OpenR Link multimedia system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, built-in Google features, and remote vehicle connection via the My Renault app. These additions offer a visually pleasing touch of high-tech. The modern look is completed with premium materials and dark upholstery.
Shorter wheelbases for enhanced manoeuvrability
The 2024 Renault Master van is designed for inner-city delivery drivers. It now offers a shorter wheelbase and a redesigned front axle. This results in a 1.5 metres shorter turning circle and improved low-speed cornering capabilities. The model continues to offer three different lengths: short wheelbase (SWB), medium wheelbase (MWB), and long wheelbase (LWB). There is even the option to choose an L3 version for city driving. Furthermore, the Renault Master L3 is available with front-wheel and rear-wheel drive, while the Master L4 comes with rear-wheel drive.
As experts in leasing bespoke van conversions, we are especially excited about the chassis cab of the new Master. These chassis cabs provide our van leasing customers with the flexibility to have their van converted and customised according to their specific needs and preferences.
Electric Renault Master e-Tech
In line with modern van industry trends, the Master large van is designed right from the start with an electric motor. The new Renault Master e Tech electric van offers a significant upgrade compared to the current model. It is capable of driving up to 255 miles on a single charge. Renault also considers the possibility of a hydrogen fuel cell system in the future. However, this time around the manufacturer is developing it in-house.
Diesel versions of the Renault Master will still be available upon launch.
Availability and pricing
The latest model of the Master van is available for pre-order in Q1 of 2024, with official order books opening in Q2. The first models are expected to be delivered starting in September 2024. Pricing and specification details are likely to be released closer to the launch date.
New Volkswagen Transporter
After a successful run since 2015, Volkswagen has decided to retire its beloved medium van, the Transporter T 6.1. The final units rolled off the VW factory floor in 2023, leaving VW fans curious about what’s in store for the future.
VW teams up with Ford
Volkswagen has teamed up with Ford for an exciting collaboration known as Project Cyclone. This partnership has already yielded impressive results with the new Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok pickup trucks. And now, the next generation of the VW Transporter arrives as a result of yet another exciting joint venture between these two automotive giants.
Given Ford’s technology, it is reasonable to assume that the next Transporter will share significant components with the anticipated Ford Transit Custom. However, looking at the Amarok and Ranger collaboration, it is highly unlikely that the 2024 VW Transporter will turn out to be a mirror image of the new Ford Transit Custom. Although the pick-ups share some components, each brand strives to maintain its unique design and brand identity. The Transporter van is expected to follow a similar path. This is to ensure that the new model retains its distinctive VW characteristics while coexisting with the Transit Custom in the market.
New diesel engines & promising VW Transporter electric
We’re expecting that the two medium vans will share comparable engine configurations and transmission systems. The exact engine options have not yet been disclosed. However, it is reasonable to assume that Volkswagen will adopt a range of 2.0-litre diesel engines similar to Ford. Naturally, some modifications that offer a unique driving experience might be on the table. The prospect of a new VW e-Transporter is particularly promising since the previous model had an official range of only 82 miles. We hope that Ford will help to address this issue. After all, their electric Transit Custom leads an excellent example with its impressive range of 236 miles. In addition, Project Cyclon has the potential to widen Volkswagen’s range of power options by introducing a plug-in hybrid variant to its commercial lineup.
Shared dimensions and payload capabilities
We expect that both the Ford and VW models will have similar dimensions, considering their shared platform. This would likely result in payload capacities of around 1,100kg and towing capacities close to 2,000kg. Additionally, we can also anticipate features like a flat cabin floor.
When will the all-new Transporter arrive in the UK?
At present, the 2023 Ford Transit Custom is being manufactured in Romania. As for the 2024 VW Transporter, we will need to await further announcements from the manufacturers to know their plans.
Ford e Transit Courier
The all-new Ford Transit Courier and Tourneo Courier arrived in the UK in 2023. The updated model is based on the B2E platform used in Ford’s small passenger car range such as the Fiesta or Puma small SUV. Furthermore, it features a variety of engine options. These include a fuel-efficient 1.0-litre petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, along with larger diesel engines tailored for high-mileage users. Excitingly, now also a fully electric version is on the horizon. This aligns with Ford’s plans to offer an electric version of each of its commercial vehicles by the end of 2024.
54 miles in just 10 minutes charge
The upcoming Ford E-Transit Courier underwent a significant modification to allow for full electrification. According to the information shared by Ford, the battery-powered van will use a front-mounted 100kW e-motor with up to 134bhp/290Nm. The vehicle will also offer a 100kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10 to 80% recharge in less than 35 minutes – adding 54 miles of range with just 10 minutes’ worth of charge. However, there are no official details about what battery size might be used in the Ford eTransit Courier or about its driving range. We expect this information to be shared later in 2024.
New technology
In terms of appearance, there is little difference between the petrol, diesel, and fully electric versions. However, the headlights and grille of the EV are slightly different. The new Transit Courier received several technology improvements as well. These include twin 12-inch touchscreens and the latest version of the Ford SYNC 4 infotainment system. Moreover, the van now offers an array of intelligent driving assistance systems, which make driving and parking easier and safer. These include adaptive cruise control, lane assist, pre-collision assist, intelligent speed assist, blind spot warning, reverse brake assist, and pedestrian alerts. An Office Pack is also available. This includes a desk that folds away when not in use, as well as additional lighting. We should expect at least the same features to be offered in the Ford Transit Courier electric van.
Impressive payload capacity
The next generation arrives with more load space in both the Transit Courier and e-Courier. Moreover, the vehicles have an extra 44 litres of storage in the front trunk. The 1.8m load length combined with 1.22m between the wheel arches means that the van can accommodate two euro pallets with ease. The Transit Courier EV model’s payload capacity stands at 700kg. Meanwhile, the petrol and diesel versions have a maximum payload of 678kg, which can be increased to 845kg.
How much will the Transit e Courier cost?
The starting price for the all-new Transit Courier is £16,200 excluding the VAT. However, the cost of the electric model is yet to be announced by Ford. The E-Transit Courier is expected to enter production in late 2024.
Toyota Large Van, Citroen Relay Peugeot Boxer & Vauxhall Movano
Under the new agreement between the Stellantis Group and Toyota Motor Europe (TME), Stelliantis committed to supply TME with the new large commercial van for sale in Europe. The partnership agreement also includes an all-electric variant of the Toyota large van. This means that the new vehicle will be the third body size produced by the Group. It will also complete a full Toyota commercial line-up.
Toyota’s debut in the large commercial vehicle market
By offering a large van, Toyota demonstrates its commitment to the commercial market. Additionally, the manufacturer also puts itself in an advantageous position. This is because Toyota will be one of the very few brands to cover the whole commercial sector – small, medium, and large-sized vans as well as pickup trucks. Currently, only Ford offers such a variety of body styles. However, Volkswagen will be another one when the replacement for the VW Amarok pickup arrives later this year.
Another Stelliantis large van but not quite the same
The yet-to-be-named Toyota 3.5-tonne van will more likely be a rebadged version of the Stelliantis large vans. We’re expecting the van to be based on the Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer, Vauxhall Movano, and Fiat Ducato. However, it won’t be a rebadged version of the existing models. This is because the current Relay, Boxer Movano, and Ducato are due for a comprehensive facelift. The new Toyota van is being developed as part of this next generation of the group’s large van series. This approach ensures that the Toyota van will be equipped with cutting-edge advancements and enhancements that align with the evolving demands of the market. Despite its shared manufacturing location, customers can anticipate a unique and refined experience when driving this upcoming Toyota van.
Engine options
Regarding the engine options, the diesel variants of the Toyota large LCV will most likely rely on the same technology embraced in the large PSA vans. As for the EV model, it’s anticipated to follow the same foundation used for the electric versions of those vans. This implies that Toyota’s large electric van will utilise the same 121bhp electric motor as seen in those vehicles. Furthermore, the battery sizes of 37kWh and 75kWh are expected to remain consistent. They should allow for a driving range of up to 160 miles.
Considering that the Toyota Proace City Electric won the Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards 2022, we are confident that their upcoming large van will also be a highly appealing fleet van option.
When will the Toyota large van arrive in the UK?
The van will be produced at two Stellantis plants: in Gliwice, Poland, and Atessa, Italy. Toyota plans to introduce its large van in mid-2024. Once the new model goes on sale, the electric version is expected to be priced at approximately £57,000 (+VAT). It is a bit more than its Stelliantis cousins. However, the diesel version will cost less – approx. £30,000 (+VAT) for a base model.
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