The eDeliver 7 is one of the latest addition to the MAXUS line-up and it enters a competitive segment with the likes of the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, Mercedes-Benz eVito, and an array of options from Stellantis. But how does the new eDeliver7 stack up?

Performance

MAXUS has fully embraced the potential of electric power with the eDeliver 7, making it a swift and sometimes entertaining vehicle to drive. Its acceleration from a standstill is particularly quick, and you might even spin the front wheels if you apply too much power without any load. With keyless start, you simply get in, press the ‘Start’ button, and move the gear shifter into D. The lever is conveniently located by the steering wheel, taking up little space and easily accessible.

The eDeliver 7 features a 201bhp electric motor that powers the 88kWh van from 0 to 100km/h in 11 seconds. While we haven't tested it with a heavy load, you can expect performance to drop slightly when carrying cargo. One of the great aspects of EVs is their smooth and quiet driving experience, and the eDeliver 7 is no exception. It offers effortless and smooth acceleration, with the sedate Eco mode still providing a punchy ride. Switch to Power mode, and it becomes very quick. The overall drive is smooth and refined, thanks to the well-engineered powertrain. Additionally, there are three drive modes and three stages of regenerative braking, allowing you to prioritise either battery life or performance.

Range and Charging

The most affordable models come with a 77kWh battery pack, which offers a range of 318km according to official figures. You can also opt for the eDeliver 7 with an 88kWh battery pack, which increases the official range to 370km.

Fully charging the 77kWh van from empty takes around 8 hours using an 11kW AC charger, while the 88kWh model requires about 9 and a half hours. The eDeliver 7 supports a maximum charging rate of 90kW, with MAXUS quoting a time of 43 minutes to top up from 20% to 80% using a sufficiently powerful DC charger. Interestingly, similar to some traditional ICE vans, you need to open the passenger-side door to access the ‘fuel’ flap.

Design and Interior

The shorter L1 version of the MAXUS eDeliver 7 measures 4,998mm in length, making it slightly longer than the short-wheelbase Vauxhall Vivaro Electric. The L2 version extends an additional 366mm, bringing its total length to 5,364mm, which is 55mm more than the long-wheelbase Vivaro. If carrying weight is your priority, the eDeliver 7 is a market leader. The smallest and lightest model can handle the most weight, with the L1 van equipped with the 77kWh battery capable of carrying up to 1,135kg of cargo. The cargo area is also fitted with some clever features, including a rubber floor lining, six tie-down hooks, and LED lighting for those early morning or late-night loading sessions.

At the front, a substantial 12.3-inch infotainment screen with crisp graphics dominates the centre of the cabin, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard. The cabin also includes an array of storage compartments, such as tiered options in the front doors with bottle holders, large cup/bottle holders on the edges of the dash-top, several open storage compartments, a decent glove box, and even an ashtray.

There's plenty of room for one passenger on the bench seat, although the centre seat is the least appealing. However, the absence of a traditional gear lever or handbrake frees up space, providing more foot room for the person sitting in the middle than in a conventional van.

Cost Considerations

Irish pricing is yet to be announced, but you can expect it to fall somewhere between the existing eDeliver 3 and the larger eDeliver 9. The MAXUS eDeliver 7 comes in just one trim, making it a simple choice of which body shape and battery size best suit your needs. If you don't plan on carrying heavy loads frequently, we recommend the version with the longer range—the 88kWh battery in the urban-friendly lower roof model would be our pick. However, there's little difference between the options overall. The eDeliver 7 is supported by a five-year warranty and an eight-year warranty on the high-voltage battery.

Conclusion

Overall, the MAXUS eDeliver 7 is a strong contender in the electric van market, offering a decent combination of performance, range, and practicality. The interior is well-designed with ample storage and modern technology, making it a comfortable workspace. Although Irish pricing is yet to be announced, the eDeliver 7 promises value with a robust warranty package. Whether you need a vehicle for heavy loads or longer urban commutes, the eDeliver 7 is a versatile and efficient option.