The new Skywell electric van is revealed — and it’s coming to the UK

The Skywell electric van has officially been unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2024. Currently known as codename ‘233’, has this Chinese LCV got what it takes to succeed in the UK?

There’s a chance that you’ve not yet heard of Nanjing Golden Dragon (currently known as Skywell) but as one of China’s leading electric bus manufacturers — and a part of the Skyworth Group who enjoy a £21-billion annual turnover — you could say they’re a big deal.

That said, the large LCV currently codenamed the ‘233’ still stood as a surprising head-turner during its debut at the Paris Motor Show. This will be Skywell’s first commercial vehicle to launch in Europe, following the brand’s overall debut with the mid-sized BE11 crossover. Many details around the electric van remain under wraps, but with an appearance scheduled at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show, it seems the 233 is UK bound.

In a world of increasingly homogenised EV design, the Skywell van is a pleasant blend of old and new. The LED headlights add a car-like element to the van’s contemporarily contoured façade, while the central Skyworth text provides a subtle futuristic appeal. This is all incorporated without falling into the trap of being overly playful as with many prototype vehicles (yes, we’re looking at you, Kia PV5, saying hello to passersby) and is sat on top of a clean and familiar workhorse LCV silhouette — striking a nice balance.

This balance is also carried into the interior, which boasts contemporary technology, partnered with reassuringly solid build quality. There is an all-round premium feel to the cabin which is punctuated by brassy chrome detailing and plaques set into sturdy surfaces. The seat material is tough but comfortable and wouldn’t look out of place in a high-spec pickup truck.

The driver’s seat is 6-way adjustable, the dash houses a sizeable 15.6-inch touchscreen as well as a wireless phone charging station, and the convenience of keyless entry and start-up are on offer. 

The 233’s tech extends behind the scenes too. The driver assistance systems include intelligent cruise and speed assists, auto-emergency braking, and lane assist — so there’s plenty of safety features to protect drivers and any precious cargo.

Upon initial release there will be two body lengths (5,490 mm and 5,990 mm) and two roof heights (2,200 mm and 2,700 mm) available, offering load volumes from around 9.5m³ to 13m³. There will be 3.5-tonne or 4.25-tonne gross vehicle mass options, and should you opt for the larger e-LCV variant, you’ll land an impressive payload of up to 1,755 kg.

The rear cargo area is lined by functional Rivian ECV-like shelves. But, where similar next-gen vans such as the inbound BYD E-VALI or the Renault Estafette prototype provide the accessibility of dual sliding side doors, the 233 opts for the single door approach. This is also partnered by a solid bulkhead, which does provide more seating in the cabin, but eats into the internal mobility offered by its competitors’ bulkhead doors.

This is all hauled along by a 150 kw (370 Nm) electric motor, hooked up to either an 88 kwh or 105 kwh battery. Range and charging details have not yet been released, so we will withhold judgement on this side of things for now.

There isn’t a price as of yet, but an announcement is scheduled for April 2025 which will also include the final model’s name. We think the Skywell 233 strikes a nice balance between futuristic and realistic, appearing both functional and technology driven; but do you think it has what it takes to succeed in the UK market?

Hero image credit: Newspress UK