Highlights of the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2022: Light commercial vehicles

Small but mighty – and, above all, electric. This could be this year’s theme for light commercial vehicles at IAA TRANSPORTATION. With their innovations, manufacturers show how delivery in the last mile and in the urban space could change considerably in the near future. Motorized e-bicycles will change the scenery in unprecedented ways, and gain popularity with their flexibility, versatility, and far-reaching coverage. Below is a rundown of the highlights in this product group in alphabetical order.

Cost reduction in the last mile with the B1

Bako Motors wants to revolutionize last-mild delivery with the B1, and promises to reduce operating costs for customers by 40 percent compared to conventional vehicles. The electric three-wheeled vehicle B1 has coverage of approx. 120 miles and can expand this with solar cells by up to 30 miles with solar cells. The charging capacity is 2,000 liters. Another advantage of the B1, according to the manufacturer, is its versatility, as it can also be used as a sandwich shop or mobile cafeteria.

Introducing the new Ford Custom Generation

Ford plans to debut its new Ford Custom Generation to the public. The Custom series in the 1-ton payload segment will premiere on the market in 2023 both as a versatile commercial vehicle Transit Custom as well as a roomy Limousine Tourneo Custom. The Transit Custom will also be available as an electric, battery-operated E-Transit Custom for the first time. For the cherry on top, Ford will also bring the Electric Super Van to Hanover. The electric show vehicle boasts 2,000 PS.

Versatile cargo bike carries up to 770 pounds

The electricity-supported Freegônes from French manufacturer Kleuster is supposed to be the ideal cargo bike. The chassis can be equipped with various modules, which will make the cargo bike highly versatile and usable for parcel deliveries, grocery orders, medical transports, city cleaning, and recycling, among other purposes. The Freegônes boasts a payload of up to 770 pounds and 50 miles of coverage, and the battery can be charged at a standard outlet within five hours.

Robust and attractive: The cargo bike from Mubea

According to the manufacturer, Mubea’s line of Cargo products is essentially a bicycle that’s built like a car and with a high quality standard thanks to premium components. With the electricity-compatible variants Cargo Box, Cargo Pick Up, and Cargo Work, the light-model specialist from Attendorn wants to set new standards for robustness, functionality, ergonomics, loading, and safety. Electricity makes it possible for the motorized bikes to reach speeds up to approx. 16 miles per hour. The Cargo Box variant can carry up to 440 lbs. The Cargo line is also attractive, and the four-wheeled Cargo motorized bike won the German Design Award in 2022.

Master E-Tech comes with fuel cell

Renault will present its electric vans to the public in Hanover, including the electric Kangoo and Master E-Tech – and the latter will boast a fuel cell. Thanks to its hydrogen engine – the fuel cell acts as a sort of range extender – Renault’s largest van will be able to cover up to 310 miles, and its energy storage will be able to quickly fill back up at the hydrogen refilling station.

Flexible load handling due to adaptation of the European pallet standard

With the MovR3, RYTLE is presenting the latest generation of its cargo bike for the urban space. MovR3 is electric, with full suspension, and even offers the opportunity to transport euro-pallets. The maximum load is 822 lbs, distributed among the driver, a load of 66 lbs in the front, and 566 lbs for loading on the fork (including the container). The MovR3 acts as an electric motorized bike that can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. It can be used as a stand-alone solution, but is also part of an interconnected RYTLE logistics concept. Along with the MovR, the manufacturer offers other smart cargo bikes, swap boxes (RYTLE Box), independent micro-depots (RYTLE Hub), telematics units, and software interfaces. The company’s special software facilitates digital processes and transparency.

Spotlight on climate neutrality

According to the manufacturer, the MAXUS MIFA 9 from SAIC MAXUS is the world’s first purely electric, full-size MPV. The acronym MIFA stands for the seven-seater’s key traits: Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly, and Artistic. To quote the manufacturer, the vehicle’s versatile platform can also be used for SUVs and pick-ups. The 17.3-foot-long MPV can cover up to 369 miles with one battery charge. The MAXUS MIFA 9 also boasts the industry’s first smart driving monitoring assistant that automatically detects driving style with data and driving conditions.

World premiere of the Sevic V500e

The electric compact van Sevic V500e is celebrating is world debut at IAA TRANSPORTATION. Bochum-based commercial vehicle manufacturer Sevic specifically designed the V500e for use in urban spaces. Not only does the ability to quickly and flexibly exchange transport structures reduce idle times, but the range of various designs makes it possible to use the vehicle for a number of applications, which makes it particularly profitable according to the manufacturer. Flexibility is also key to the electric compact van’s coverage: The smaller battery design lets it reach distances of up to 93 miles, or 186 miles with the large battery.