LEVC VN5 Review

LEVC stands for the London Electric Vehicle Company and the UK-based company is famous for building the London electric taxi. Both the taxi and the VN5 van are built in Coventry, although the manufacturer is wholly owned by Chinese motoring giant Geely.

The LEVC VN5 borrows a lot of its tech from the iconic 21st-century black cab, which in turn had taken a lot of its technology from Volvo - the Swedish firm is also owned by Geely. In this LEVC VN5 review we'll look at whether the LECV VN5 is worth choosing if you want an electric van.

The LEVC VN5 is powered by electricity 100% of the time, but when the battery runs out of charge it utilises a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine to act as a generator for the battery. With a fully charged battery and a tank of petrol, the VN5 will travel 300 miles and return up to 313mpg. 

At the business end of things, the van will carry a maximum payload of 830kg. It also has space for two Euro pallets. The side sliding door is also wide enough for a Euro pallet to be loaded at the side. 

LEVC says the VN5 has been designed to last twice as long as its rival diesel vans, which is why every model is backed by a five-year 150,000 mile warranty. The battery is also guaranteed for eight-years and 150,000 miles.

The interior of the VN5 has an upmarket feel, which reflects the fact that most of the trims and switches have been lifted from Volvo’s passenger car range. The van also gets a large nine-inch touchscreen at the centre of the dash, which operates the heatings, radio and driving modes. High-spec models also get navigation. 

Standard equipment is high across the range and all models get LED loadspace lighting and an electronic parking brake. Automatic LED headlights and a cargo area that’s cladded with protective materials is also included as standard. 

The maximum payload of the VN5 is 830kg and this puts it behind diesel-powered rivals like the Ford Transit Connect and Vauxhall Combo, which can carry up to 1000kg. The loadspace measures 2447mm in length and up to 1574mm wide with 1104mm between the rear wheel arches. 

Comfortable, refined and well equipped as standard, the VN5 is extremely relaxing to drive. Most of this is down to the fact that the engine, electric motor and battery are sourced from the Volvo XC40 Plug-in Hybrid. 

Geely bought Volvo in 2010 and has transformed the Swedish brand into one of the world’s most desirable luxury carmakers. The LEVC benefits from this joint ownership and it shows when you drive the VN5.

The steering is nicely weighted and both road and engine noise levels are well suppressed. The narrow front axle allows the van to perform a complete circle turn in just 10 metres. There are three driving modes - Pure EV, Smart or Save. These let you drive the van as a pure EV or save the battery for later use. Most people will keep the van in full auto mode, which automatically decides when it needs to use the battery or the 1.5 petrol engine. 

The battery pack is located under the loadspace floor and a full charge takes eight hours from a 3.5kW three-pin plug or three hours and forty-five minutes from a 7kW wallbox. Hook the van up to a 50kW fast charger and you’ll boost the battery from zero to 100% in just 30 minutes. 

Officially, the VN5 will return over 300mpg. But this is dependent on the van having a full charge before every journey. All vans are fitted with a 50kW DC rapid charging port and a  11kW AC socket - both are found at the front of the vehicle. 

Business buyers will be able to buy the VN5 from £38,500. This price excludes VAT and includes the Government’s £8000 plug-in vehicle grant.