Skyworth is developing a right-hand-drive Hongtu V9 electric van for the UK, despite currently having no importer or distributor through which to sell it.

Information acquired ahead of the van’s first appearance at the IAA Transportation showExternal link image lists the UK and Australia among the intended markets for a right-hand-drive V9 fitted with a 100.9kWh battery.

The battery will be supplied by CATL and provides a claimed WLTP range of up to 252 miles. A single electric motor produces 150kW, or 204hp, and 370Nm of torque.

Up to 14m3 of load space

The wider Hongtu range includes two panel van sizes. The shorter L2H2 measures 5,490mm long, 1,990mm wide and 2,200mm tall, and provides 9m3 of load space with a maximum payload of 1,464kg.

A larger L3H4 model extends the overall length to 5,990mm and increases the roof height to 2,700mm. Cargo volume rises to 14m3, while maximum payload falls slightly to 1,304kg.

Both versions have a 4,250kg gross vehicle weight, meaning the headline payload figures rely on the additional weight allowance available to qualifying zero-emission vans rather than a conventional 3.5-tonne limit.

Loading height is listed at 650mm, while the cargo area measures 1,403mm between the rear wheel arches. An onboard overload alert is also included.

Inside, the Skyworth Hongtu V9 includes a dashboard with a five-inch instrument display and 12.8-inch central touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice control and a suite of driver-assistance systems. Happily, early images show that Skyworth has retained physical controls beneath the screen.

UK launch route remains unclear

Although the UK is explicitly included in Skyworth’s launch plan, the manufacturer currently has no confirmed UK sales or after sales operation.

Innovation Automotive previously distributed Skywell passenger cars and had announced plans to introduce Skywell commercial vehicles. However, the company ceased trading in June, leaving DFSK van users and Skywell car woners in limbo.

Skywell has subsequently been searching for a replacement distributor, but no appointment has been announced,so it remains unclear who would import, homologate, sell and support the Hongtu V9 if Skyworth proceeds with its UK plans.

Range-extended chassis also planned

Skyworth Auto will display the battery-electric Hongtu V9 at IAA Transportation alongside the Hongtu X, a range-extended chassis cab intended for specialist conversions.

Skyworth Hongtu X chassis van targeting UK

Range-extender technology remains relatively unusual in the European van market. It typically combines an electric drivetrain with a combustion engine used to generate electricity, potentially allowing operators to complete local work on battery power without relying entirely on charging during longer journeys.

The company has yet to release technical specifications for the Hongtu X, including its battery capacity, electric range or the combustion engine used to generate power, but we expect it to be broadly similar to the Hongtu panel van.

The Hongtu V9 will make its European show debut in Hannover alongside several larger Skyworth commercial vehicles, including the battery-electric Skyworth Z9 heavy truck, the autonomous G18 electric refuse truck and an Urban Elf driverless shuttle bus. Production timing, prices and the identity of any future UK distributor remain unconfirmed.

Phil Huff
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