Overview

THE IVECO eDaily is the all-electric sibling to the diesel-powered Daily van and cab-chassis range and is the first Iveco EV to be offered in Australian and New Zealand markets.

Sharing familiar features and dimensions with its diesel-powered stablemates, the eDaily allows body builders to adapt service bodies and the like to the chassis with the same ease as a conventionally powered variant, Iveco working hard to ensure the electrical components and batteries are set well out of harm’s way.

Launched in Europe in 2022, the eDaily may be ordered in van and cab-chassis (tested) body styles, with a choice of one, two, or three batteries depending on configuration. Battery sizes up to 111kWh are available, offering up to 140kW of system power and 400Nm of torque via a single electric motor and single-speed transmission.

The ‘72C’ variant on test features a 4350mm wheelbase and 7200kg GVM. It is said to offer a WLTP range of 180km, while its three batteries may be charged in under 1.5 hours when connected via an 80kW DC fast charger.

The vehicle rides on a ladder frame chassis and is suspended by a torsion beam front / leaf sprung rear arrangement. Stopping is via all-wheel discs.

Pricing is yet to be finalised for Australian and New Zealand markets, though equipment details are close to being locked in.

The vehicle on test rides on 16-inch steel wheels shod with 235/60 series commercial tyres and includes a full-size spare wheel.

LED adjustable headlights and daytime running lights are joined by heated wing mirrors, keyless entry (but oddly a keyed ‘ignition’), cloth-trimmed upholstery with seating for three, under-seat storage, suspended driver’s seat with lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electronic park brake, climate control, digital radio, and wired Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connectivity.

A power take-off function is also available providing 15kW and 400V for refrigeration units and the likes. It may be utilised even when the vehicle’s main engine is switched off.

Cabin storage is ample, as are the number of beverage holders, and USB and 12-volt power outlets. The under-seat storage is a terrific place to stow the eDaily’s charging cable when not in use.

The Iveco eDaily features active and passive safety features expected of the class including a complement of airbags, anti-lock braking, autonomous emergency braking, stability and traction control, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assistance.

Cruise control is not offered, nor is blind spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert.

The Iveco Daily range is backed by a three-year/200,000km warranty with the eDaily’s traction battery covered for eight years or 250,000km. Scheduled servicing and pricing is yet to be announced.

Driving Impressions

While the level of ‘quiet’ experienced from an electric vehicle is almost a given, it feels slightly odd to note the same from a boxy commercial vehicle. Excusing a little wind rustle over the mirrors and some hum from the tyres, the eDaily is as close to silent as it gets.

While this mightn’t seem like a big deal to most, it is bound to come as a welcomed experience to long-suffering drivers, most of whom spend hours each day at the ‘wheel of clattering and smelly diesel trucks.

We appreciate the ease of entry and exit, and the comfortable driving position which offers an excellent relationship between the driver and the primary controls. The ability to adjust the seat and steering column to preference is welcomed, though a dead pedal would have been appreciated for longer stints.

Visibility is a highlight of the Daily, and the electric version is no exception.

As is the case with many electric trucks and vans, we also find the eDaily with a choice of power settings – Eco, Normal, and Power – and levels of regenerative braking including a one-pedal setting.

We used Power mode to keep comfortably with the cut and thrust of city traffic, and when tackling extended grades, reverting to Normal mode on the open road. We also used the regenerative feature in lieu of an exhaust braking, achieving similar levels of retardation before friction braking was required.

We tested the eDaily 72C with close to 2200kg of payload on board and found progress quite acceptable. We found acceleration to 40km/h to be swifter than a comparable diesel vehicle, with progress tapering thereafter.

The driveline is basically ‘topped out’ at 100km/h meaning overtaking is not possible.

Otherwise, the eDaily is a familiar experience. The vehicles dynamics, ride, and (adjustable weight) steering are much like those of the diesel-powered model – with even the brake pedal offering similar levels of progression and feedback.

The Daily range offers a very good level of ride quality – particularly against similarly-sized Japanese trucks – and feels both stable and confident when met with adverse conditions and slippery roads.

In short, we think anyone transitioning between the diesel and electric will feel ‘right at home’, a good thing for fleets with a mix of conventional and new energy rigs.

On test, we managed to slightly better the (unladen) WLTP range claim, achieving 200km end-to-end, or approximately 55.5kWh per 100km.

If you’re operating a light- to medium-duty truck in last mile or urban settings, the Iveco eDaily is worth your research.

For situations where the vehicle is idle overnight – or for a period between loading and unloading – the recharging aspect of the eDaily will likely go unnoticed and will certainly help in contributing to your business’ green credentials.

As such, we’ll be very keen to see just how Iveco prices the eDaily when right-hand production hits its stride. Watch this space.