6 Electric Light Goods Vehicles (Electric Vans) Recommendations | Buyer's Guide | Insurance Strategy | Key Points for New Energy Transport Fund Application

The Mercedes-Benz Vito has long been a popular choice for light goods vehicles (vans). In its all-electric incarnation, the eVito, the exterior remains largely identical to the petrol version, featuring a three-slat front grille with the iconic large three-pointed star logo, and a charging port conveniently located on the front left bumper. The extra-long wheelbase variant measures 5,370 mm in length (alongside the long wheelbase variant at 5,140 mm), offering a 3-seater front layout and a maximum cargo capacity of up to 6.6 cubic meters.

In terms of battery specifications, it comes equipped with a 60 kWh battery providing a range of up to 321 km. Standard DC fast charging supports up to 50 kW, with an optional upgrade available for 80 kW DC fast charging if quicker turnarounds are required. The electric powertrain delivers 85 kW (approx. 116 hp) of maximum power and 362 Nm of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration even when fully loaded. Additionally, it features 4-level energy recuperation modes to help maximize driving range.   

The cabin is well-appointed with modern technology, featuring an MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay, as well as a 360-degree camera system with 3D parking functions. Furthermore, the eVito is loaded with safety features, including Active Brake Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist.

The MAXUS eDeliver 5 features a futuristic, spaceship-like exterior design and comes in 3 body configurations with 6 combinations in total: "Standard Wheelbase & Long Wheelbase Low Roof - Twin Rear Doors," "Standard Wheelbase & Long Wheelbase High Roof - Twin Rear Doors," and "Standard Wheelbase & Long Wheelbase Low Roof - Tailgate." The standard wheelbase measures 4,800 mm in length, while the long wheelbase extends to 5,250 mm. Cargo capacity increases with length, starting from 3.8 cubic meters for the standard wheelbase and 4.8 cubic meters for the long wheelbase. Notably, the floor height is just 532 mm from the ground, making loading cargo and getting in or out exceptionally easy for passengers and drivers alike.

Regarding seating options, both 3-seater and 6-seater layouts (featuring foldable rear seats) are available. The center console is equipped with a 12.3-inch horizontal central touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree panoramic parking camera, paired with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. It offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Monitoring System (DMS), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Powering the eDeliver 5 is a 64 kWh battery capacity delivering 120 kW of power output and 240 Nm of torque, with an estimated range of up to 371 km.

The Foton eView Connect presents a completely different design approach compared to Foton's previous electric vans in Hong Kong. Beyond its minimalist, futuristic lines, it achieves an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd. Paired with a choice of 9 body colors—including 3 dual-tone options like cyan, green, and blue—it brings a vibrant atmosphere to the traditional commercial van market.

Measuring 5,195 mm in length with a long wheelbase of 3,400 mm, the 3-seater variant boasts a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,285 kg, a cargo volume of 7.3 cubic meters, and a cargo compartment length of 3.1 meters. Equipped with rear doors that open up to 270 degrees, loading and unloading goods is exceptionally convenient.

It is powered by a 66.67 kWh battery capacity offering a range of up to 430 km (WLTP). The electric motor generates 125 kW of power and 245 Nm of torque, with fast charging capable of replenishing the battery from 20% to 80% in as little as 36 minutes. For safety features, it incorporates real-time Forward Collision Warning (FCW) to alert driver collision risks in advance, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). In terms of warranty, the eView Connect offers an 8-year or 400,000 km battery warranty and a 3-year or 100,000 km vehicle warranty.

The Farizon SuperVAN features a distinctive exterior design, blending boxy lines with a stepped front end. Measuring nearly 5 meters in length, its most eye-catching feature appears when the doors are opened: a B-pillarless design that makes laterally loading and unloading large goods or tools exceptionally convenient.

To compensate for the lack of a traditional B-pillar, the Farizon SuperVAN’s body is engineered using high-strength steel that complies with European safety crash standards, featuring a roll-cage protective structure. Available in short-wheelbase (approx. 4.99 m) and long-wheelbase (approx. 5.5 m) variants, the 3-seater version offers maximum cargo floor depths of up to 258 cm and 308 cm, respectively.

Equipped with an 82.88 kWh battery capacity, it delivers a driving range of 430 km under the CLTC standard. Performance is impressive, with a power output of 168 kW and 336 Nm of torque. Inside, the cabin is fitted with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree camera system, along with multiple storage compartments and hidden cupholders throughout the interior.

The Kia PV5 is the automaker's first multi-purpose vehicle built on the PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) modular chassis. Designed for both commercial and passenger use, its futuristic exterior commands high street presence. In Hong Kong, the commercial variant is available in 2-seater and 5-seater layouts, with body dimensions measuring 4,695 x 1,895 x 1,923 mm and a wheelbase of 2,995 mm. The 2-seater version boasts an impressive cargo volume of up to 4,420 liters, though note that it is equipped exclusively with split swing rear doors.

Inside the cabin, the PV5 features a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, a 7.5-inch digital instrument cluster, dual USB-C ports, and a comprehensive array of physical buttons. A notable detail is the column-mounted gear selector positioned behind the steering wheel, which eliminates the traditional center console channel, allowing front occupants to enter and exit effortlessly from either side.

Powering the PV5 is a 71.2 kWh battery, delivering a range of up to 412 km under the WLTP cycle, with DC fast charging replenishing 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. The electric motor generates 120 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. Additionally, Kia has equipped the PV5 with a rich suite of safety systems, including Blind-Spot View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, front/side/rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree Surround View Monitor.

Featuring an unpretentious, straightforward exterior rather than a ultra-futuristic look, and omitting oversized touchscreens, the Wuling Porta EV focuses purely on practical utility inside and out. Understanding the core needs of commercial users, it offers exceptional value at a highly competitive price point of under HK$200,000.

Measuring 5,010 mm in length, the Porta EV is offered exclusively in a 2-seater configuration, maximizing space dedicated entirely to cargo and delivering a substantial cargo volume of 6.5 cubic meters. It is equipped with dual side sliding doors and 270-degree split rear doors for effortless loading and unloading. Powered by a 56.2 kWh battery, it provides a driving range of up to 400 km, with an electric motor delivering 75 kW of power and 180 Nm of torque.

Inside the cabin, standard amenities include an 8-inch central touchscreen, a 3.5-inch digital instrument cluster, a reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic door unlocking upon collision, and dual airbags.

• License fees for electric van, calculated based on the total weight of the vehicle. HK$2,229 per year for vehicles under 1.9 tons, and HK$4,254 per year for vehicles over 1.9 tons (including contributions to the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Fund).

• Requires annually vehicle inspection

• Electric passenger and freight vehicles have no retirement deadline.

• Drivers must hold a No. 2 driving license.

• Each toll tunnel charged based on passenger and freight vehicle type

• A partition is provided between the passenger seats and the cargo bed.

• Passenger and freight vehicle areas must be used when picking up and dropping off passengers at the airport.

• Parking truck meter

All drivers of commercial vehicles must have at least Third-Party Liability Insurance to legally drive on Hong Kong roads. As the name suggests, Third-Party Liability Insurance covers the policyholder or driver against liability for third-party bodily injury, death, and property damage.

The main difference between commercial vehicle insurance and private car Third-Party insurance lies in the plan's coverage amount. The minimum coverage for third-party bodily injury or death in commercial vehicle insurance is HK$100 million, the same as for private car insurance. However, the third-party property damage coverage limit for commercial vehicle insurance is typically only HK$500,000 to HK$1 million.

Additionally, the No-Claim Discount (NCD) for commercial vehicles differs from that of private cars. A commercial vehicle's NCD usually starts at 10% after the first year and can accumulate up to a maximum of only 30%. This difference exists because commercial vehicles carry a significantly higher risk of accidents than private cars, resulting in lower discounts.

Kwiksure has assisted thousands of businesses with their commercial fleet insurance needs. We can help you find a policy that best suits your requirements. Contact us today for a free quote.

To promote green transportation, the government established the "Pilot Green Transport Fund" in 2011, providing funding for the transport industry and charitable/non-profit organizations to test innovative green transport technologies. In 2020, the government allocated an additional HK$800 million to expand the fund's coverage, and in September of that year, renamed the "Pilot Green Transport Fund" to the "New Energy Transport Fund (NETF)," which is divided into "Applications for Trial (AT)" and "Applications for Use (AU)." Below are the key points for applications; for more details, please refer to the information from the Environment and Ecology Bureau.

• The applicant must be an existing transport operator based in Hong Kong (including cross-boundary transport);

• Operates commercial transport tools including goods vehicles (including special purpose vehicles), taxis, light buses, buses, vessels, motorcycles, non-road vehicles (applicable to vehicle models approved by the Transport Department or the Hong Kong Airport Authority), or the aforesaid transport tools of charitable/non-profit making organisations providing services to their clients;

• has been in the relevant transport service for more than one year with supporting documents to show at least one-year ownership/use of the conventional counterpart of the green innovative technology product proposed for trial;

• will likely remain in the service after the trial to bear fruit;

• has the potential to put the new technology under test into wider use in its own operation upon successful trial; will apply to install its own charging station in the same application, or will use its own existing charging stations, to support daily charging of the subsidised product if it is an electric one, unless exempted by the Government;

• is willing to share with other operators the findings of the test of the subsidised product;

• is not receiving or has not received funding from other Government sources, public bodies or charitable organisations for the same purpose of the application, except the tax incentive schemes to encourage the use of electric vehicles and environment-friendly commercial vehicles;

• is not a supplier or manufacturer of the green innovative technology product proposed for trial, or its related companies.

There are limits on the number of AT applications for each type of transport (including motorcycles, minibuses, taxis, trucks, and buses) and on the number of products being tested. Also, each application is limited to one type of green innovative transport technology, and one type of transport.

Qualified applicants can, according to their operational needs, receive subsidies for purchasing new energy vehicles approved by the Transport Department under the "One-for-One" program. This is to prevent a steep increase in the number of vehicles due to the subsidy scheme.

Existing conventional vehicles under the "One-for-One" arrangement are not eligible for the "Phasing Out Euro IV Diesel Commercial Vehicles - Ex-gratia Payment Scheme" to avoid double subsidies. The applicants' vehicle must meet the specified driving mileage within the designated period according to the approved conditions to receive the subsidy in stages. The subsidy limit for each AU is HK$10,000,000, while the total subsidy limit for each applicant and its related companies (excluding franchised bus and heavy vehicle operators) is HK$12,000,000. This limit is calculated separately from the AT subsidy limit.

Form for Applications for Trial (New Energy Vehicles / Vessels)

Form for Applications for Trial (Emission Reduction / Fuel Saving Device or Conversion)

Note: The New Energy Transport Fund Secretariat will publish the application guidelines and forms for AU in due course.