Fiat Professional’s first electric commercial is the E-Ducato, which offers the same features and capabilities as the combustion version, but with zero emissions. The regeneration system is exemplary. The price is not even that!
Fiat Professional’s first all-electric proposal, the E-Ducato was designed to offer the same volume and versatility as the internal combustion versions, being available in more than 400 configurations to satisfy the needs of all professional operators, from fleets to freight transport. and construction companies to artisans, merchants or municipal service providers.
The secret lies in its architecture with front-wheel drive and without taking up space at the bottom of the chassis and the wide distance between the side members, which made it possible to install the batteries under the floor, leaving the useful load volume intact. This solution also guarantees better weight distribution and a low center of gravity, optimizing the vehicle’s dynamic behavior under all load conditions.
In terms of exterior styling, the Fiat E-Ducato remains true to the 2020 model’s lines, not having received the same changes introduced to this year’s model. According to those responsible for Fiat Professional, this was on purpose and for two reasons. Firstly, the development process of the E-Ducato predates the combustion Ducato and, therefore, it was not possible to implement the innovations introduced in the update of this model; on the other hand, it ensures a visual differentiation between the electric and combustion Ducato.
The main styling element consists of a body that comprises two well-defined volumes: an upper and a lower one. The front section is distinguished by the uprights that are mutually integrated through the muscular front grille, which still includes the former Fiat logo in the center. The front is also distinguished by the black grille (option) and the line of headlights in Piano Black.
Normal and fast charge
To mark the beginning of the electric age, the E-Ducato debuts a logo made up of two distinct elements: the letter “E” in blue, a color associated with innovation and sustainability, preceded by a “D” for Ducato, in brushed silver on top. .
The electrical architecture of the E-Ducato comprises an electric motor, which develops a power of 90 kW (122 hp) and a maximum torque of 280 Nm, powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 47 kWh or 79 kWh. The unit tested was equipped with the first option, which allows traveling up to 170 km in the WLTP cycle and up to 235 km in the urban cycle.
Equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger, it is possible to recover the full capacity of the 47 kWh battery in an 11 kW wallbox in about 4h50m, while at a 50 kW rapid station it takes about 50 minutes to charge up to 80% of the battery. .
The entrance to the charging point is located behind the driver’s door, a position that in fast charging stations forces the vehicle to move too far towards the tower or makes it impossible even if the hoses are very short, for example in a certain network of supermarkets.
Interior design unchanged
The cab of the Fiat E-Ducato Panel Van is quite spacious and offers capacity for three occupants, thanks to a single driver’s seat and a double passenger’s seat.
The interior design is still that of the previous version of this model, but the center console already includes a five-inch (series) or seven-inch (option) touchscreen. This screen also allows you to view the images from the optional rear camera, which is very useful in a vehicle with an exterior length of almost six meters, as is the case of the tested unit that corresponds to the Maxi high-ceiling version (L3H2).
Rear parking sensors are standard, as are electric exterior mirrors, driver’s airbag, armrests, passenger seat adjustment.
The E-Ducato also has a display on the driver’s left side, which transmits information about the energy flow or the battery charge level, but, strangely, not about the average consumption (just some hard-to-read graphs).
Specific equipment
The instrument panel is specific to the E-Ducato, including the traditional speedometer and, in place of the rev counter, a power indicator for visualizing the electric drive line with Charge, Economy and e-Power modes. In the center is a small monochrome digital screen, which allows access to some data from the on-board computer, and below the indicators of the battery charge level and economic driving.
The driving position is elevated which ensures good visibility to the outside. Laterally, the dual-field exterior mirrors are a great help. To switch on the electric propulsion system, place the drive selector lever in position N and then turn the key in the ignition lock.
Driving is typical of an electric vehicle, with the smooth electric driveline providing enough power to tackle hills or heavy traffic. The E-Ducato offers three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Power – which can be selected using a button on the dashboard, allowing you to maximize range or performance, depending on your needs. It should be noted that the speed is electronically limited to 100 km/h, which requires some precautions when overtaking on expressways or motorways.
The E-Ducato also offers the e-Coasting and e-Braking energy regeneration systems, which are activated by moving the drive mode lever in position D to the left. This energy regeneration system during deceleration and braking is truly impressive because it offers the ability to recover a considerable amount of energy, greatly increasing the range available for driving. In fact, it is one of the best systems out there.
same volumetry
The tested unit of the E-Ducato corresponds to the Maxi high-ceiling version (L3H2), which combines an exterior length of 5.99 meters, a width of 2.05 meters and a height of 2.58 meters. The load compartment is identical to that of the combustion version, providing a useful volume of 13 m3, thanks to the combination of an internal length of 3.70 meters, a height of 1.93 meters and a width of 1.79 meters.
With homologation at 3500 kg and as it weighs 2735 kg unladen, the payload is just 765 kg. Under a Community directive, already transposed into the national legal system, it is possible to drive goods vehicles, equipped with alternative energy and gross weight over 3500 kg with a light licence.
high price
The Maxi L3H2 Van version of the Fiat E-Ducato is available in the national market from 73,808 euros, with a very limited series endowment.
However, it is possible to configure this vehicle with additional equipment and the unit tested is an example of this, as it adds a seven-inch touchscreen with navigation, automatic air conditioning, rear parking camera, USB port, LED daytime running lights, sensor light and rain, the “Ducato” headrests, the Tecno Ducato dashboard, the power folding mirrors, the storage compartment on the cab roof and the safety package (includes lane-keeping assistant and parking brake system). emergency). As a result, the final price rises to a rather unfriendly €78,642.
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For those who need a large-capacity electric van, the Fiat E-Ducato is one of the possible options, as it offers the same volumetry as the combustion version, albeit with a slightly lower payload due to the increased autonomy.
The range of more than 227 kilometers is more than enough for most urban operations, while the energy cost is 4.52 euros for every hundred kilometers travelled. Less attractive is the limited series equipment, the sale price to the public, which, as we have seen, in a unit like the tested one exceeds 78 thousand euros.
Essay originally published in Turbo Commercials 45 – December/January 2022.
Datasheet
Fiat eDucato Van Maxi LH2 13m3 47 kWh
PRICE €73,808 (€78,642 unit tested)ELECTRIC MOTOR; 90 kW (122 hp); TORQUE 280 NMT TRANSMISSION Front; 1 Vel; AutoCOMP./WIDTH/ALT.5998/2050/2579 MMD.EE4035 MM GROSS WEIGHT3500 KGTARA2735 KG USEFUL LOAD 765 KG USEFUL VOLUME 13.0 M# CONSUMPTION31.2 kWh/100 KM (WLTP) (Test ND kWh/100 KM) AUTONOMY227 KMEMISSIONS0 G KMIUC0 €
Equipment
Stability control, driver airbag, front armrest, three seats in the cab, rear parking sensors, dual-leaf rear suspension, electric exterior mirrors, 5” touchscreen radio and Bluetooth, 11 kW battery charger, charging cable mode 3.
