The race to get Australia's new vehicles electric is on, big time.

EV passenger cars and SUVs are showing up more and more, and now we're seeing the first battery-electric light commercial trade options.

Leading the charge is Chinese car-maker LDV. They've already brought out the full-electric eT60 dual-cab ute, and now they're shaking things up with the new 2024 LDV eDeliver 9. It looks good on paper, but what's it like on the road?

How much does the LDV eDeliver 9 cost?

Getting into the 2024 LDV eDeliver 9 ain't cheap. At $99,990 plus on-road costs for the base model, it's more than twice the price of the diesel-powered LDV Deliver 9. The starting price is for the L4 Cab Chassis model, while there are two van options with a more powerful battery that cost even more – LWB Mid Roof (from $116,537 plus ORCs) and LWB High Roof (from $118,836 plus ORCs).

Right now, the LDV eDeliver 9 has no direct competition in Australia, but that's gonna change soon. Rivals like the Ford E-Transit are expected early next year. The Renault Master E-Tech Electric and Mercedes-Benz eSprinter are on their way too, but not until 2024. Meanwhile, the smaller Mercedes-Benz eVito is already available.

What equipment comes with the LDV eDeliver 9?

Standard gear on the 2024 LDV eDeliver 9 includes basics like air-conditioning, power windows, eight-way driver’s seat adjustment, and a multifunction steering wheel. There are plenty of storage options, from under-seat storage to overhead compartments and deep door pockets. The middle passenger seatback folds down to include a cup holder and laptop holder.

For cargo, you get non-slip entry steps, heavy-duty non-slip rubber flooring, eight tie-down points, a passenger-side sliding cargo door, and 236-degree opening rear barn doors. However, the towing capacity for the EV van models drops from 2800kg to just 1500kg, and the cab-chassis is limited to 1200kg.

The payload for the long-wheelbase high-roof we briefly drove at the launch is listed at 1350kg, while the LWB mid-roof can carry 1410kg. The cab-chassis has a 1960kg payload. Gross vehicle mass is 4050kg across the board. Importantly, van cargo volume is the same as the diesel version, at 10.97 cubic metres for the LWB mid-roof and 12.33 cubic metres for the high-roof.

All eDeliver 9 models have two-year/30,000km service intervals and come with a five-year/160,000km factory warranty plus five years of roadside assistance. The battery has an eight-year/160,000km warranty. Service pricing isn't available yet, but the two-year intervals suggest lower ownership costs with electric power.

How safe is the LDV eDeliver 9?

Safety gear on the 2024 LDV eDeliver 9 includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and tyre pressure monitoring (front only on the cab-chassis). There are four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist. Other features include electronic stability control, hill hold assist, parking sensors (front and rear for the van, front only for the cab-chassis), and a wide-view rear overhead camera. Airbag protection includes dual front airbags as well as side and curtain airbags for the front occupants.

The eDeliver 9, like the combustion-engined versions of the LDV Deliver 9, hasn't been tested by ANCAP. However, the independent safety authority did include the Deliver 9 in a Commercial Van Safety Comparison report earlier this year, where it scored a ‘bronze’ rating.

What technology does the LDV eDeliver 9 feature?

Tech-wise, the 2024 LDV eDeliver 9 comes with a 10.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth phone connectivity, but not Android Auto. There’s no built-in satellite navigation, just what you can use from your iPhone, and two USB ports for device recharging. The stereo supports digital radio as well as AM and FM bands. There's also a 4.2-inch LCD screen in the instrument cluster that shows trip computer info and driver support system status.

What powers the LDV eDeliver 9?

The 2024 LDV eDeliver 9 has different powertrain options for the van and cab-chassis models. All versions use a single electric motor with 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque. There are three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Power. Top speed is 90km/h, which might limit its appeal for some applications.

The main difference is in the battery: the cab-chassis has a 65kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, while the two van models have an 88.55kWh battery. LDV claims the cab-chassis can charge from 20 to 80 percent in 36 minutes with an 80kW DC fast-charger, or from five to 100 percent in 6.5 hours with an 11kW AC wallbox with a three-phase system. Single-phase power takes 11 hours. The vans take 45 minutes from 20 to 80 percent DC, and eight to 12 hours from five to 100 percent AC (single/three phase).

How far can the LDV eDeliver 9 go on a charge?

The cab-chassis version with the smaller battery has a claimed range of 150km (WLTP) with a large box tray fitted. The vans, which weigh more, have a longer range of 280/275km. Real-world range will depend on the load being carried. The high-roof van we drove seemed like it could achieve close to 250km, but that was without any load.

What is the LDV eDeliver 9 like to drive?

This was just a short test drive, but the initial signs are promising. The eDeliver 9 feels and sounds less industrial than a diesel-powered LDV van around town. Starting it up gives a prominent whirring noise, then smooth and refined electric propulsion. The LDV accelerates in a linear fashion with moderate feel and weight to its controls. The ride is a bit rough on poor country roads, but the dynamics are better than the LDV eT60 ute. Regenerative braking is another plus, setting it apart from its ute sibling.

What is the LDV eDeliver 9 like inside?

The three-seat cabin of the 2024 LDV eDeliver 9 looks well put together at first glance, with plenty of storage, grab rails, and wide door openings. The cabin has a commercial feel with rubber flooring and a high driving position, but it's quite refined overall. There are some downsides, like the exposed steering shaft knuckle near the driver's feet and the infotainment system being a bit clunky. The cargo space is huge, with a flat floor and plenty of tie-down points. The real test will be loading it up and seeing how it performs.

Should I buy an LDV eDeliver 9?

Being first to market doesn’t always mean it’s the best option. This brief encounter with the 2024 LDV eDeliver 9 was promising, especially with its refined drivetrain and minimal compromises compared to the diesel version. However, the high starting price, limited range, and 90km/h top speed are significant factors to consider. Tradies and fleet buyers looking to go electric will need to weigh these against their daily needs, ownership costs, and upcoming rivals like the Ford E-Transit.

For more information visit the LDV website https://www.ldvautomotive.com.au/vehicles/ldv-edeliver-9/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6auyBhDzARIsALIo6v_CoWZyFab3dQAwxgBudcUsh--Rs2qnivGw0veP_icSXCuht517T30aAikFEALw_wcB