China's Maxus takes on VW's Transporter with new electric van

China's automotive industry is picking up even more speed – not just in everyday electric cars, but also in the commercial vans.

While everyone is watching BYD, Nio, and others, brands like Maxus are making strides with battery-powered vans for business owners and delivery workers.

Now, the subsidiary of Chinese manufacturer SAIC is launching its third van for the Western market. According to the manufacturer, it fills the gap between the eDeliver 3 and the eDeliver 9.

The new model, called the eDeliver 7, is available as a panel van with up to 6.7 cubic metres of cargo space and in two lengths, approximately 5.00 or 5.40 metres.

It competes directly with bestsellers like the VW Transporter, which isn't available as an electric vehicle yet.

Maxus, however, is offering the third model in its range exclusively as an electric vehicle, starting at €54,720 or £44,995 in Europe.

At launch, it has 150 kW/204 hp of power on the front axle, with an all-wheel drive option to follow later, according to the manufacturer. Buyers can also choose between a 77 or 88 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 370 kilometres.