Chinese brand Maxus chose IAA Transportation in Hanover for the world premiere of the eDeliver 5 Chassis Cab, the chassis cab version of its medium-sized electric van. The brand, part of China’s SAIC Motor group, is targeting bodybuilders with a vehicle that can accommodate dropside bodies, box bodies and other conversions. The manufacturer lists box bodies for express courier and parcel delivery services among the intended applications. It shares its platform with the eDeliver 5 van, a light commercial vehicle measuring 4,800 mm long and 1,874 mm wide, with a 3,100 mm wheelbase. Its permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor delivers 120 kW and 240 Nm of torque to the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. Top speed is 120 km/h.
Energy is stored in a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 64 kWh. Combined WLTP range reaches 335 km in the L1H1 version, which has a stated consumption of 21.0 kWh/100 km and a load volume of 6.6 m³. With the raised roof of the L1H2, load volume increases to 7.6 m³, range falls to 305 km and consumption is 23.1 kWh/100 km. The van’s maximum payload is 1,200 kg. The manufacturer’s specifications give a DC charging time of around 45 minutes from 5% to 80%, and approximately six hours for a full charge using an 11 kW AC wallbox.
Alongside the eDeliver 5, the manufacturer displayed a range spanning light commercial vehicles and heavy trucks under the slogan “Maximize your business”. The electric eDeliver 7 offers up to 8.7 m³ of load volume and is also available with all-wheel drive, while the eDeliver 9 provides up to 1,530 kg of payload and a two-tonne towing capacity. At the top of the range is the eDeliver 420L, a 42-tonne electric truck making its European debut. Built on the modular AILink architecture, it has a 615 kWh CATL battery designed to last up to 1.5 million kilometres and a five-level energy recuperation system. Maximum charging power is 394 kW, allowing charging from 20% to 80% in 25 minutes. The cab, developed to meet ECE R29, moves backwards by 500 mm in a collision.
For urban distribution, Maxus displayed the RoboVan prototype: a van with Level 4 autonomous driving, three lidar sensors and 11 cameras. Maxus states a payload capacity of 1,500 kg and more than 6 m³ of usable load volume, citing over 10 million kilometres of road testing using SAIC’s proprietary technology. The manufacturer also demonstrated bidirectional V2X charging on its stand. A pilot project with a European fleet customer uses vans as energy storage to reduce peak demand in buildings (V2B) and stabilise the electricity grid (V2G). Live demonstrations used the eTerron 9 pick-up and a certified Ambibox DC charger.
In Italy, Maxus has operated through Maxus Italy since January 2026, SAIC’s first direct commercial vehicle operation. It delivered 500 vehicles in its first eight months, representing a 1% market share, and is targeting 2% by the end of the year. Its goal for 2026 is 85% geographical coverage, with 40 dealers, 90 sales outlets and 90 service points.
Massimiliano Barberis
