Ashok Leyland's Dost and Bada Dost have already empowered entrepreneurs across the country. Now, with the introduction of IeV3 and IeV4 by its electric vehicle arm, SWITCH Mobility Automotive Ltd (SMAL), these electric small commercial vehicles (E-SCVs) are set to create a new generation of 'smart entrepreneurs. These vehicles are designed to meet the demands of modern businesses, offering advanced features like connected technologies, telematics, and app-based operations, noise-free cabin, comfort and convenience, perfectly aligning with the expectations of today’s tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
Manufacturers of E-SCVs encounter several challenges that hinder their competitiveness against traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. These challenges include the high costs and evolving nature of battery technology, which impact energy density and range, making E-SCVs less appealing in terms of efficiency.
Additionally, the lack of widespread charging infrastructure, longer charging times, and the higher upfront costs—particularly daunting for small businesses with limited capital—pose significant barriers to adoption. Furthermore, balancing vehicle weight with payload capacity, while ensuring durability and reliability, adds another layer of complexity for manufacturers in this emerging market.
However, it appears that SMAL has effectively addressed these challenges, as evidenced by the experiential drive this writer had yesterday.
Electrified Identity
Both E-SCV models are derived from Ashok Leyland's entry-level Dost and Bada Dost vehicles. While the core structure has been preserved, SMAL has re-engineered them into E-SCVs, tailored to meet the demands of various customer applications. These include sectors such as beverages, e-commerce, organized retail, parcel and courier services, FMCG, white goods, industrial goods, and LPG distribution.
TCO
There is often a misconception about the total cost of ownership (TCO) of EVs, which includes factors like lower maintenance and fuel costs that can offset the higher initial purchase price. Although the E-SCVs from SMAL are approximately INR 4 lakh more expensive than their diesel counterparts, customers can potentially save around INR 12,000 (IeV3) and INR 17,000 (IeV4) per month on operating costs. This means the additional investment can be recouped in about two years.
Furthermore, driver fatigue is significantly reduced thanks to the minimal noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels and comfort in both models, achieved through several advanced features.
For example, the IeV3- comes with parabolic suspension for both front & rear while the IeV4 is enhanced with parabolic in the front and semi elliptic spring at the rear, offering a smoother and more comfortable ride. Both models are equipped with electric power steering, enhancing driving ease and manoeuvrability.
The vehicles are equipped with a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear, ensuring effective braking performance. Additionally, they are compatible with CCS2 (AC/DC) chargers, allowing end-users the flexibility to charge their vehicles at home or at any public charging station.
Performance
The IeV3 boasts a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 2,590 kg and can carry a payload of 1,250 kg, with load body dimensions of 2,645 x 1,620 x 440 mm, making it suitable for a container volume of 270 cubic feet. Meanwhile, the IeV4, with a GVW of 3,490 kg, supports a payload of 1,700 kg, offering load body dimensions of 2,951 x 1,750 x 488 mm and a container capacity of 340 litres.
The IeV3 is powered by a 25.6 kWh lithium-ion liquid-cooled battery pack, operating on a 256-volt EV architecture. It is driven by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that delivers a peak power of 40 kW and a peak torque of 190 Nm. With a range of 140 km and a maximum geared speed of 70 km/h, the IeV3 demonstrated its ability to handle a 22% gradient with about 60% of the load during the test drive.
On the other hand, the IeV4 is equipped with a 32.2 kWh advanced lithium-ion liquid-cooled battery pack, operating on a 310-volt EV architecture. It features a PMSM that generates a peak power of 60 kW and a peak torque of 230 Nm. The IeV4 offers a range of 130 km, a maximum geared speed of 80 km/h, and a gradeability of 23%, making it well-suited for demanding conditions.
One of the standout features of these models is the innovative touch controls for shifting gears, offering a seamless and intuitive driving experience. Both the IeV3 and IeV4 are equipped with Drive and Sports modes, which can be effortlessly switched on the fly, regardless of speed, allowing drivers to adapt to varying road conditions with ease.
Despite the IeV3's ground clearance of 177 mm and the IeV4's 206 mm, both SCVs can adeptly navigate rough roads, thanks to their shorter wheelbases.
Hill Hold
One particularly impressive feature of these E-SCVs is their ability to hold steady on a 22% gradient without rolling back, no matter how long they remain stationary. During testing, this writer held the vehicle in place for nearly a minute, and it remained firmly anchored. Even on downhill slopes, the IeV3 managed its speed effectively without the need for braking or acceleration. This capability will be especially valuable for drivers navigating hilly terrains, providing added confidence, control and comfort.
Low-Maintenance Advantage
With reduced wear and tear and minimal requirements for lubrication and coolants, the operating costs of these vehicles remain manageable.
For instance, the coolant, primarily composed of Ethylene Glycol, which is responsible for cooling the power electronics and motor in electric small commercial vehicles (E-SCVs), requires a top-up or replacement only every 60,000 kilometers—comparable to the maintenance intervals of diesel vehicles. However, there's a notable difference: E-SCVs utilise a more efficient mixture, requiring only 30% coolant with the remainder being water, unlike diesel vehicles that use a 50:50 ratio. The battery is cooled by chill plates using refrigerants, maintaining an optimal temperature range of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. This helps ensure efficient operation, prolongs battery life, and prevents overheating, which could negatively impact performance and durability.
iON App – The Digital Guide & Guardian
Furthermore, the iON system, a proprietary connected technology telematics solution, significantly boosts vehicle efficiency and performance by delivering real-time data and analytics. This allows businesses to monitor and optimize their fleet operations, leading to smarter and more cost-effective management. The app has reportedly helped drivers improve their performance by 8% to 10%. Additionally, it offers a geo-fencing feature, giving fleet operators greater control over driver activities and ensuring adherence to designated routes.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
SMAL’s e-buses boast an impressive 98% uptime, a benchmark of reliability that the company aspires to replicate with its two new E-SCVs. With this track record, SMAL is confident that these electric small commercial vehicles will achieve similarly high levels of performance and dependability.
The IeV3 is backed by a comprehensive warranty, offering 3 years or 150,000 kilometers of coverage for the vehicle, and an extended 5 + 2 years or 150,000 + 25,000 kilometers for the battery. Similarly, the IeV4 comes with a robust warranty, providing 3 years or 150,000 kilometers for the vehicle and 5 years or 150,000 kilometers for the battery. These warranties highlights the confidence in the durability and reliability of both models, ensuring peace of mind for their owners.
All these features work together to boost driver productivity while minimising fatigue. As a result, these vehicles are poised to foster the growth of 'smart entrepreneurs,' empowering them with the tools needed for efficient and successful operations.
The Forgotten Few
HVAC is a crucial feature for E-SCVs, especially since they typically operate during the day. However, it can reduce the driving range by up to 15% due to battery drain. As a result, SMAL has opted not to include HVAC in the current models but is considering offering it in the future. Another notable omission is the headrest, which, like in the Dost models, is absent in both the IeV3 and IeV4. According to company officials, headrest is not mandatory as per regulations.
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