Skyworth Hongtu: China's new electric van arrives in Europe
The electric commercial vehicle market is about to welcome a major new competitor with the arrival of the Skyworth Hongtu in Europe. This electric commercial vehicle, designed by Chinese manufacturer Skyworth, promises to shake up the codes of the segment by offering an innovative alternative to established models.
Scheduled to go on sale at the end of 2025, Hongtu is positioned as a serious challenger to e-Transit, Master E-Tech and e-Boxer.
Skyworth, already present on the French market with its K electric SUV, is expanding its range to meet the needs of professionals looking for environmentally-friendly transport solutions. The Hongtu stands out for its versatility, being available in several configurations ranging from L1H1 to L3H4, offering maximum adaptability to different business uses.
Although detailed technical specifications have yet to be unveiled, China's Skyworth Hongtu electric utility vehicle is already attracting interest from industry observers. Its modern design and its promise in terms ofautonomy and load capacity point to a vehicle capable of competing with the established players in the European car market. electric vans.
A complete range to meet all professional needs
The Skyworth Hongtu is positioned as a versatile solution for professionals, with a wide range of configurations to suit a variety of uses. This large electric van will be available in six versions, covering all the usual needs of large commercial vehicles. Professionals will be able to choose from :
- Three different heights
- Four lengths available
- Models ranging from the compact L1H1 with a length of 5 metres and a height of 3.10 metres
- All the way up to the very spacious L3H4, which is 6 metres long and 2.70 metres high.
This diversity will enable companies to select the vehicle best suited to their specific activities, whether they involve urban delivery, transporting bulky goods or conversion into a mobile workshop.
The flexibility offered by the Hongtu should appeal to a wide range of professionals, from tradesmen to large corporate fleets and last-mile delivery services.
Promising technical features
The Skyworth Hongtu stands out for its technical specifications, which make it a particularly interesting electric utility vehicle. Its battery The 41.4 kWh lithium-ion battery offers an impressive range of 300 km in the WLTP cycle, allowing professionals to carry out their daily rounds without range anxiety.
The 100 kW (136 bhp) electric motor delivers a generous 310 Nm of torque, ensuring crisp acceleration and smooth driving in urban environments and on the open road.
This electric utility vehicle also stands out for :
- Fast DC charging to recover 80% from the battery in just 30 minutes
- A payload capacity of 1000 kg, comparable to that of combustion-powered vans of the same size
- A load volume of 5.2 m³, optimised for transporting goods
- Latest-generation driver assistance technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control
With these characteristics, the Skyworth Hongtu is positioned as a serious contender in the electric commercial vehicle market, offering a judicious balance between performance, practicality and respect for the environment.
Skyworth's strategy: conquering the European LCV market
Skyworth, the Chinese electronics giant, is clearly demonstrating its ambitions in the European market for electric commercial vehicles with its new Hongtu model. This strategy is part of the brand's wider diversification and international expansion drive.
The manufacturer plans to launch the Hongtu in Europe at the end of 2025, marking its entry into a highly competitive segment. This strategic timing will enable Skyworth to fine-tune its offering and adapt to the specific requirements of the European market.
The Hongtu will be available in six versions, covering a wide range of configurations from the small 5-metre L1H1 to the large 6-metre L3H4.
To stand out from the crowd, Skyworth relies on a number of strengths:
- Technological expertise based on experience in consumer electronics
- A complete range to meet the diverse needs of professionals
- Potentially aggressive price positioning, characteristic of new Chinese entrants
Skyworth's presence at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2024 in Paris demonstrates its desire to make itself known to the European public and to forge links with potential commercial partners.
This gradual, well-considered approach demonstrates Skyworth's determination to establish itself as a major player in the electric commercial vehicle market in Europe.
Alternatives to the Skyworth Hongtu electric van on the French market
Given that the Skyworth Hongtu is not yet available in France, and that its actual launch remains uncertain, it's worth taking a look at the alternatives available on the French electric LCV market. Several manufacturers already offer comparable models, providing proven solutions for professionals wishing to go electric.
Here are some notable alternatives to Skyworth Hongtu:
- Renault Master E-Tech Electric
- Citroën ë-Jumpy
- Peugeot e-Expert
- Ford E-Transit
- Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
These vehicles offer a wide range of sizes, autonomies and charging capacities to meet the different needs of professionals in France.
Unlike the Hongtu, these models already benefit from an established distribution and after-sales service network, as well as proven experience in the European electric van market.
| Caractéristiques | Détails |
|---|---|
Battery capacity | 41.4 kWh |
Engine power | 100 kW |
Autonomy | 300 km (WLTP cycle) |
Release date | End of 2025 |
Load volume | 5,2 m³ |
Payload capacity | 1000 kg |
Configurations available | L1H1 to L3H4 (lengths of 5 to 6 metres) |
Conclusion
The Skyworth Hongtu is shaping up to be a promising player in the European electric commercial vehicle market. With its diversified range, impressive technical features and strategic positioning, it could shake up the established manufacturers.
However, faced with competition that is already present and tried and tested on the French market, Skyworth will have to prove itself in terms of reliability, after-sales service and adaptation to European standards. The planned arrival of Skyworth in 2025 will give the Chinese manufacturer time to fine-tune its offering, but it will also give existing players time to consolidate their position.
Hongtu's success will depend on its ability to offer a real competitive advantage, whether in terms of price, performance or technological innovation, while meeting the specific requirements of European professionals.
You would like toto electric?
Beev offers multi-brand 100% electric vehicles at the best prices, as well as recharging solutions.
