New commercial vehicle brand B-ON is to launch a new electric van in the UK which has a 179 mile range and costs less than £30,000.

The van, called the Pelkan, features a class-leading payload of up to 1,350 kg and a 7.1m³ loadspace. It is available in both 43 and 54 kWh battery variants, with 141 and 179 mile official ranges. The larger battery means is heavier so means the payload is reduced to 1,300kg. Both can be rapid charged from 30 to 80% in 35 minutes and are powered by a 114bhp motor.

The Pelkan also features an unusual top-hinged side door which is designed to make it easy to climb inside.

Deliveries of the right-hand drive versions for the UK market will begin in early 2025, and the van is covered by a five-year warranty.

Pelkan is the first product being launched as part of B–ON’s strategic partnership with leading global automaker Chery, which also makes the new OMODA and Jaecoo brands of car. The Chery Group is currently the third-largest automaker in China and the biggest vehicle exporter. B–ON provides purpose-built electric vehicles, fleet software and telematics, plus advanced energy solutions in Europe and China. 

Extensive use of alloy panels keeps the weight low