Iveco introduced the e-Daily, a new electric minibus. e-Daily offers a replaceable, plug-in style battery option. Offering three different battery size options, 37 kWh, 74 kWh and 111 kWh, the vehicle's WLTP ranges vary between 120 and 350 km.
This approach can be quite useful in different scenarios, but its most obvious advantage comes in a commercial setting. For example, if a van is used as a delivery vehicle and long range is not needed, a smaller battery may be sufficient. This approach can increase the maximum load while reducing costs as well as reducing environmental impact.
However, if the usage requirements of the vehicle change and a longer range is required, the number of cells can be increased to 74 or 110 kWh by taking the vehicle to one of Iveco's service stations. Likewise, cell packs can be removed as needed and exchanged as desired between the fleet's vehicles.
Replacing or removing the battery pack is expected to take approximately two hours and needs to be done at Iveco services. This is not a quick roadside change, but a system designed to provide range and resource flexibility for a fleet.
When a new cell pack is required it will cost approximately £15,000, with additional labor costs added. Iveco will offer a discount to customers who return the old battery, but it is stated that this discount will vary depending on the age and condition of the battery.
