A new name in all-electric commercial transport has arrived in Australia, with China’s Asiastar debuting a range of vans, cab chassis
and buses.
The brand, distributed by Australia’s Foton Mobility Distribution, is offering a range of electric vehicles (EVs) including van and cab chassis models with either a 70kWh or 105.6kWh battery set-ups, plus a bus variant with the 105.6kWh battery. That bus model can be fitted with 12 seats or no seats for bespoke configurations. Models feature an eAxle motor system in which the drive motor is mounted directly to the rear axle.
With the 105.6kWh battery fitted, the van has a maximum payload of 1480kg within its 10.5 cubic metres cargo space. With the smaller battery, the van is rated to a 1700kg payload.
The cab chassis variant allows for customisation of the cargo area of the vehicle, for a Pantech body, a tray, or any other combination. With the smaller battery fitted, a 1870k payload is possible, while the larger battery allows for 1650kg.
The 12-seat bus configuration features a manual folding step and a fixed handrail, with the passenger seats finished in either cloth or vinyl, resulting in a 1250kg payload.
All products have a 4,500kg GVM and are capable of being driven on a car licence.
Standard safety features include ABS braking, autonomous electric braking, electronic stability control, lane departure warning and a reversing camera on the van and bus.
Foton Mobility says the offering has been tailored to cater to last-mile deliveries, trades and construction companies, local government use, community transport, aged care, and patient transport, as well as for integration into rental companies.
Initial stock for the range has now landed in Australia and will be expected to arrive in dealerships by the end of the first quarter.
Pricing for the Asiastar range will start from around the $90,000 mark. Models are backed by a five-year or 200,000km warranty, with the main traction batteries having an eight-year or 300,000km warranty. There is 24/7 roadside and phone support.
“In Australia, commercial vehicle buyers are now looking to all-electric solutions to meet their environmental mandate, and through Asiastar, we have a comprehensive range that are proven performers, which simply make financial sense,” said Bill Gillespie, Foton Mobility Distribution’s General Manager of Light Duty Vehicles.
“The electric van segment is truly underserviced locally, and with the innovations we are bringing to the
market with our leading battery size, range, and eAxle configuration,
we know that this will be a hit.
“From a price standpoint, the cab chassis version starts at under $90,000 excluding GST, which really brings down one of the main barriers to converting to EV.
“Asiastar is making big inroads in their various markets around the world, and we are working closely with the factory and our local upfitters to be able to provide off-the-shelf and tailored solutions that will cater to any application.”
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2024)
7 February 2024