Iveco eMoovy: high volume, fast charging, and something a little familiar?

Iveco has officially expanded its LCV range beyond the Daily. The all-new eMoovy represents a first in the European market, but could it succeed in the UK?

Meet the Iveco eMoovy. Following the debut of the Italian brand’s latest electric van at the IAA Transportation trade show, we had the chance to take a look for ourselves at the Paris Motor Show 2024.

Touted as the first all-electric chassis cab to drop into Europe’s 2.5-3.5-tonne market and bringing Iveco’s workhorse characteristics with it — would the eMoovy have a place in the UK market as well?

A clear inspiration

Does this brand-new van look a little familiar to you? Well, it might. As a product of Iveco’s partnership with Hyundai — a collaboration which has already brought us the fuel cells used in the electric eDaily — the likeness to the Korean brand’s Staria MPV is uncanny. There is a little more rugged plastic incorporated into the eMoovy’s façade, and some of the finer details have been simplified in what seems like a practical approach, but we’d be lying if we said it looks totally unique.

That doesn’t mean it looks bad though. The eMoovy’s sleek silhouette gives the appearance of a big napping cat: sneaky headlights are set below some feline closed-eye detailing, which is underlaid by some whiskery square dots. It’s contemporary and relatively subtle (even if we just compared it to a big cat), and strikes a nice balance which wouldn’t look out of place resting on a modern driveway, or putting in a shift on-site.

This smooth rounded appearance transitions into a far more traditional, sharp industrial look towards the rear. And this makes sense — as a unique chassis cab offering, the cargo area is what sets the eMoovy apart. It’s highly adaptable and ready to be molded to suit various business needs: from panel-style delivery setups, to tool hauling flatbeds, and refrigerated units.

Respect the badge

So, despite the smooth, modern, and somewhat polished head-on profile, Iveco have set out ensure there is no trade-off in terms of the industrious performance we expect from the brand’s offerings: praising the ‘remarkable strength and robustness’ of the eMoovy.

The low-profile platform showcased in Paris exemplifies these capabilities, boasting a cargo volume up to 10m³, and a very handy payload of up to 1.5 tonnes. This slimline layout also brings the bonus of ergonomic access for easy loading and unloading, with all areas reachable from just about anywhere (take note Tesla Cybertruck). 

There is a useful rack located on the back of the cab for securing cargo and tools, but we were particularly drawn to the toolboxes which flank the flatbed — nothing revolutionary, but a very sensible inclusion, and a statement of hard-working intent.

The long haul

The eLCV platform — built by Hyundai — contains some of the manufacturers ‘most advanced e-mobility technologies’. Among these are the 160 kw (215 hp in old money) electric motor, and the choice between either a 63 or 76 kwh battery, capable of delivering a zero-emission range of just under 200 miles.

Perhaps more innovative are the eMoovy’s fast charging capabilities, set to enhance productivity. Capable of harnessing up to 350 kw, around 60 miles worth of electricity can be soaked up in less than 10 minutes, which Iveco proudly declare is ‘the fastest charging in the mid-cab segment’.

And with this powertrain allowing for less downtime, and more time out on the road, comfort becomes key — so luckily the Hyundai platform has another trick up its sleeve. Featuring a unique suspension system to offer a smooth yet agile experience, the eMoovy ‘drives like a car’ but ‘works like a truck’. 

Already shaping up as not such a bad place to be during long drives or shifts, the eMoovy’s car-like handling is backed up by a comfortable interior, also based on Hyundai’s flagship Staria. There’s a 12.3-inch configurable digital cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and a multitude of useful storage cubbies, such as the expansive slide-opening box between the seats.

As a luxurious touch, the ‘eco-leather seats are heated, as is the steering wheel, meaning that, supplemented by the air-con, you can expect to maintain a pleasant temperature throughout the year. And of course, the build quality in the cab feels dependable and solid, while smooth surfaces are kept accessible and easy to clean — something we imagine is a prerequisite for Iveco’s approval.

Overall, we see the eMoovy as a patchwork of familiar elements, stitched together to create a unique and customisable offering. Currently a unicorn in the European market, should we be looking to bring this electric van across the channel?

Hero image credit: Blackcircles.com