Maxus leaves vans behind: it has just brought to Europe a 42-ton electric beast that completely changes its strategy
14/09/2026 16:30
Updated to
14/09/2026 16:30
The electrification of freight transportation is leading Chinese manufacturers into a realm that goes far beyond electric tourism. SAIC aims to leverage this transition to expand Maxus’s presence in Europe, a brand that has so far focused much of its efforts on vans, light commercial vehicles, and pick-ups.
The IAA Transportation in Hannover served as the venue to showcase this scale shift. Among its new offerings is an electric truck with a capacity of 42 tons and a battery of 615 kWh, along with a 7.5-ton model and an autonomous vehicle for urban delivery. With these, Maxus begins to build a range that can cover everything from last-mile delivery to heavy road transport.
A 42-ton truck with a 615 kWh battery
The top model in this new range is the Maxus eDeliver 420L, a tractor unit developed based on the AILink modular architecture. Its electric system features a CATL battery with 615 kWh of capacity and five levels of regenerative braking, though the company has not yet announced an official range figure. It does state that the battery is expected to last up to 1.5 million kilometers.
The company also does not intend to limit its efforts to long-distance transportation. The eDeliver 75 targets the 7.5-ton class, equipped with a 120 kWh LFP battery and an electric motor of 150 kW, equivalent to 204 horsepower. The specifications sold in Spain claim up to 250 kilometers of WLTP range in combined cycle with charging, and 300 kilometers in urban driving, plus the ability to achieve a 20% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes using fast charging at 120 kW.
From urban delivery to self-driving vehicles
The eDeliver 75 also reflects Maxus’ intention to enter markets that require specific configurations. It can handle a payload of over 4,500 kg in its short-bed version, features an ePTO electric power takeoff of up to 100 kW, and offers a towing capacity of 3,500 kg. This model is already part of Maxus’ Spanish lineup, so this expansion into heavier-duty vehicles is not limited solely to the Chinese market.
Add to this range is the RoboVan, a level 4 automated logistics vehicle developed using SAIC’s autonomous driving technology. It features three LiDAR sensors and eleven cameras, has a cargo volume of over six cubic meters, and can carry up to 1,500 kg. According to the company’s data, the technology used in this project has accumulated more than 10 million kilometers of real-world testing without any accidents.
Maxus is also using Hannover to showcase V2X two-way charging solutions, which allow the batteries in its commercial vehicles to function as storage systems connected to buildings or the power grid itself. The strategy is complemented by an expansion of its after-sales infrastructure in Germany, aiming to reach 170 locations by the end of 2026. This move by SAIC sets the stage for Maxus to compete beyond just the European electric van market.