LEVC VN5 1.5 Range Extender (150 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

LEVC VN5:

The LEVC VN5 is a plug-in hybrid panel van produced since November 2020 by British electric vehicle manufacturer London EV Company , a subsidiary of Chinese automobile company Geely. The car was largely engineered by CEVT, a Geely subsidiary in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The LEVC TX Hackney carriage was launched in 2017, as a plug-in hybrid range-extender electric vehicle. Geely announced its intentions to build electric commercial vehicles based on the LEVC TX.
Spy shots of a new LEVC TX-based van first surfaced on the internet in February 2018. Over a year later on June 19, 2019, an unnamed LEVC plug-in commercial van was revealed, which was later officially named the VN5 next year in March 2020, with "VN" standing for "van" and "5" referring to the 5 cubic metres of cargo space....(Read more on Wikipedia)

VN5 Overview:

LEVC VN5 (VN5). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2146 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.2 s). The top speed reaches 129 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The LEVC VN5 has not undergone traditional Euro NCAP crash testing for a star rating. However, it received a 'Silver' award in Euro NCAP's 2021 Van Safety Rating for its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), indicating a focus on active safety features.

1.5 Range Extender (150 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 150 Hp electric motor delivers ample torque for urban acceleration and load hauling, while the 91 Hp 1.5L range extender ensures extended operational range without range anxiety. Acceleration is leisurely but perfectly adequate for its commercial purpose.

Fuel Economy

Exceptional combined fuel economy of 0.8-1.2 l/100 km (WLTP/NEDC) is a major highlight, significantly reducing running costs for businesses, especially with its substantial all-electric range of over 100 km.

Best Use Case: Urban and suburban commercial deliveries requiring extended range and low emissions zone compliance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions due to PHEV powertrain.
  • • Substantial all-electric range (over 100 km) for urban zero-emission zones.
  • • Range extender eliminates range anxiety, offering flexibility for longer routes.
  • • Generous cargo volume (up to 5500 L) and payload capacity.
  • • Robust build quality derived from LEVC's taxi heritage.
  • • Rear-wheel drive for better traction under load.

Cons:

  • • Higher initial purchase price compared to conventional diesel vans.
  • • Leisurely acceleration (0-100 km/h in 13.2 sec) may not suit all drivers.
  • • Limited top speed (129 km/h) restricts highway cruising ability.
  • • Requires access to charging infrastructure to maximize efficiency benefits.
  • • Only available as a 2-seater, limiting passenger options.

Specifications:

General:
Brand:LEVC
Model:VN5
Generation:VN5
Modification (Engine):1.5 Range Extender (150 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid Automatic
Start of production:November, 2020
Powertrain Architecture:PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Body type:Minivan
Seats:2
Doors:4
Engine:
Engine systems:Start & Stop System
Power:91 Hp
Power per litre:61.6 Hp/l
Torque:160 Nm
Engine Model/Code:B3154T
Engine displacement:1477
Number of cylinders:3
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Direct injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.6 l
Coolant:18.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol / electricity
Combined fuel consumption (WLTP):0.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):1.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:1.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13.2 sec
Maximum speed:129 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:13.8 kg/Hp, 72.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:12.9 kg/Nm, 77.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2070-2222
Max. weight:2900
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:678-830
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:5500 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):2900 kg
Fuel tank capacity:38 l
Size:
Length:5233 mm
Width:1945 mm
Height:1990 mm
Wheelbase:3386 mm
Width including mirrors:2083 mm
Front track:1622 mm
Rear (Back) track:1637 mm
Front overhang:941 mm
Rear overhang:906 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):150 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.8 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor drive the rear wheels of the car with the ability to work in full electric or mixed mode.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears1
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesVentilated discs
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size215/60 R17
Wheel rims size7J x 17
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Leaf spring
Electric:
Gross battery capacity:31 kWh
Battery technology:Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)
Battery location:Below the floor, under the front seats
System power:150 Hp
All-electric range:102.7 km
Electric motor power:150 Hp
Electric motor Torque:250 Nm
Average Energy consumption:23.6 kWh/100 km
Electric motor location:Rear axle, Transverse
Average Energy consumption (WLTP):23.6 kWh/100 km
Electric motor type:Synchronous
All-electric range (WLTP):102.7 km
Average Energy consumption (NEDC):21.4 kWh/100 km
All-electric range (NEDC):125 km
Maximum revolutions of the electric motor:11500 rpm.

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