2025 Skywell ‘233’ Large Van premiere
- Skywell’s first commercial vehicle to be launched in Europe
- Available in a choice of two wheelbases, two roof heights and two nominal GVWs (3.5t and 4.25t)
- Choice of two LFP batteries from CATL; 88kWh and 105kWh
- Differentiated by captivating interior and exterior design, and generous equipment levels
- Expected to make UK debut at the CV Show in April 2025
17th October 2024 (Cirencester, UK): Skywell, the revolutionary EV brand with a rich heritage of commercial vehicle manufacturing, has unveiled its upcoming large all-electric van at the Paris Motor Show. Codenamed the ‘233’, the new van will be available in a range of two wheelbases and two roof heights.
Founded in 2000 as ‘Nanjing Golden Dragon’, Skywell quickly established itself as one of China’s leading electric bus manufacturers and, in 2011, became part of the Skyworth Group which is one of the world’s largest consumer electronics companies with annual turnover of £21bn.
Skywell’s unique mix of heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing and digital technology heritage is evident in the van’s strong build quality and advanced tech features. The 233 is Skywell’s first commercial vehicle to make it global debut in Europe, signalling the importance of this market to the company’s future plans.
The 233 will initially be available in 2 body lengths (5,490mm and 5,990mm) and 2 roof heights (2,200mm and 2,700mm) corresponding to a load volume range of approximately 9.5 to 13 cubic metres.
There will be an option of either a 3.5t or 4.25t gross vehicle mass (GVM); the latter offering a payload of up to 1,755kg.
Customers will also have the choice of either an 88kWh or 105kWh LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery sourced from CATL – a global leader in heavy-duty EV batteries – which is mated to a 150kW/370Nm Permanent Magnet Synchronous electric motor.
Aesthetically, the 233 is differentiated through its bold and captivating style which consists of the distinctive bumper and integrated grille design, sleek contours and curved front LED lightbars.
The spacious and ergonomic cockpit provides a comfortable and productive workspace, which – like the exterior – is defined by its contemporary design and furnished with a generous level of equipment including a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, 15.6” touchscreen display, wireless phone charging, wireless smartphone connectivity and keyless entry and start.
Safety is an area where the 233 also excels; an extensive ADAS package – which includes Intelligent Cruise Assist (ICA), Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) – is available to reduce the risk of collisions and increase driver comfort.
The 233 is expected to make its UK debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Arena in April, where the production model name and pricing will be announced.
Innovation Automotive to make UK debut at Commercial Vehicle Show
- Innovation Automotive (IA) will bring a new generation of affordable all-electric vehicles from some of the world’s largest manufacturers to the UK
- All-new company pledges to make switching to electric accessible, simple and sustainable for business operators
- First vehicle IA will bring to the UK is the all-electric DFSK EC35 compact panel van
- Commercial Vehicle Show delegates are encouraged to meet IA’s senior leadership team on stand F421
25 August 2021 – Innovation Automotive (IA), the UK’s first multi-brand, all-electric automotive company, will make its first UK appearance at this year’s Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show on 31st August 2021.
IA set out its vision for the UK this week, announcing ambitious plans to simplify and demystify the process of switching to electric and bring a new level of accessibility to the market. CV Show attendees are invited to meet the IA team on stand F421 and help fine-tune the company’s pioneering approach before its full-scale launch later this year.
IA’s introduction into the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market comes at a pivotal time for a sector that has been slow to adopt electric alternatives. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data shows that, in June and July 2021, ‘Alternatively Fuelled Vehicle’ LCV sales accounted for just 3.86% and 2.68% of monthly sales respectively.1
Paul Brigden, CEO of IA, said: “Many operators are still unsure of the business case for switching to electric, and perceptions remain that it is too risky, too complicated and too expensive. But change is coming and it’s coming fast so we’re here to help fleets of all sizes make the switch. Our commitment is to source the best alternative 100% electric LCVs, to provide a first-class advisory service to our customers with an accessible and cost-effective after-sales network.”
Brigden added: “We will officially launch later this year, but we’re at the CV show to introduce ourselves, our initial product range and, most importantly, to listen to our future customers to help fine-tune our service”.
The first vehicle that IA will bring to the UK market will be the all-electric DFSK EC35, a compact and efficient all-electric panel van ideal for inner-city and ‘last-mile’ delivery.
Despite its compact dimensions – 4500x1680x1985mm – the EC35 is supremely capable. With a Gross Vehicle Weight of 2,600kg it boasts a class-leading maximum payload of 950kg and an impressive loading volume of 4.8m3.
Powering the DFSK EC35 is a 39kWh battery that delivers a range of over 150 miles and can be recharged to 100% capacity in just 90 minutes using a rapid charger. As well as the peace of mind afforded by the EC35’s range and charging capability, the vehicle is backed by a five-year warranty.
The DFSK EC35 will be swiftly followed by the EC31, an electric chassis cab van that combines impressive practicality and dependability with zero-emissions motoring. As with the EC35, the DFSK EC31 comes with a five-year warranty.
IA also has an exclusive agreement to provide Skywell commercial vehicles and will be introducing Skywell products to the UK in the near future.
Innovation Automotive is set to officially launch in the UK later this year, with its first vehicles to go on sale in early 2022. The company also has ambitions to distribute a range of passenger vehicles in the UK and Europe. Details of its passenger car manufacturing partners, planned models and more will be revealed at launch.
Innovation Automotive outlines ambitions for the UK
- Innovation Automotive (IA) has announced its vision for the UK, with the stated aim of bringing a new generation of affordable all-electric vehicles to market
- All-new company pledges to make switching to electric accessible, simple and sustainable
- Range to include both LCV and passenger cars
- The first products will be on sale in early 2022, starting with the class-leading DFSK EC35 compact panel van
- IA will make UK public debut at Commercial Vehicle Show, ahead of full-scale launch later this year
24 August 2021 – Innovation Automotive (IA), the UK’s first multi-brand, all-electric automotive company, has begun setting out its ambitions for the UK market, ahead of its full-scale launch later this year.
IA pledges to simplify and demystify the process of switching to electric for businesses and consumers, bringing a new level of accessibility to the market. The company will adopt a customer-centric model, with the aim of becoming the go-to provider for efficiency-driven business operators and smart, eco-conscious motorists.
The company benefits from a senior leadership team with considerable automotive retail and aftersales experience. The company’s CEO is Paul Brigden, who has 35 years of automotive experience, most recently as Operations Director for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.
The company believes that the recent acceleration of digitalisation and e-commerce is re-shaping customer expectations, driving demand for a simplified, modernised approach to vehicle sales. IA’s established team of experts will research, source and deliver best-in-class electric vehicles via a direct-to-consumer sales model, enabling customers to make the switch to zero emissions with minimal hassle and maximum confidence.
IA will initially focus on the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market, and its introduction could not come at a more pertinent time for the sector. Recent data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that, despite year-on-year growth, ‘Alternatively Fuelled Vehicle’ LCV sales accounted for just 3.86% and 2.38% of monthly sales in June and July 2021.[1]
Commenting on IA’s vision, CEO, Paul Brigden, said: “Innovation Automotive exists to make the switch to electric as hassle-free and straightforward as possible. IA hopes to challenge the reticence and scepticism that still exists in the market and help customers feel comfortable that they are making the smart choice”.
Brigden continued: “IA’s leadership team have been in the UK automotive industry for many years, and we understand the barriers that exist to making the switch to electric. That’s why we created this company. This is about offering the right products, at the right price with the right level of service.”
The first brands that IA will distribute in the UK will be DFSK and Skywell, with the class-leading DFSK EC35 compact panel van the first vehicle to go on sale in early 2022. This will be followed by the DFSK EC31, an electric chassis cab van.
IA also has an exclusive agreement to provide Skywell commercial vehicles and will be introducing Skywell products to the UK in the near future.