It may be that a few years ago the MPV category was abandoned in favor of the SUV frenzy that still prevails, but now with the occasion of electrification it seems to be finding a new pace, as evidenced by recent ventures such as the Lexus LM and the Volvo EM90 which highlight usability combined with a luxurious approach.
The opportunity represented by the category was also apparently identified by Geely, which in addition to owning Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr and smart, among others, also has in its portfolio the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) which is responsible for the new generation of electric range extender 1.5 liter classic black London cabs.
The same company takes another step towards new fields of transport services, presenting the L380, a luxury electric passenger van with the ability to accommodate six or eight passengers depending on the chosen configuration.
It is worth noting that the L380 is the first Geely model to use a new architecture whose development lasted 2.5 years and is a joint development fruit of Geely’s research and development centers in China, Sweden, Great Britain and Germany.
The Space Oriented Architecture (SOA) platform will form the basis for a wide range of models to follow. According to the recommendations, the architecture will be able to accommodate NMC batteries from 73 to 120 kWh offering an autonomy that will reach 700 km.
It will also be able to support one or two electric motors, offering four-wheel drive in the second case. In the case of an electric motor, the power offered is 272 hp.
In terms of design, the L380 draws its influences from the Airbus A380 and despite its volume and overall length of 5.3 meters promises a low aerodynamic coefficient, although LEVC is currently not disclosing the relative size.
In the details stand out the characteristic LED lighting bodies in the rear section and the extent of the front windshield for the benefit of the feeling of spaciousness and maximum visibility even from the rear seats. The picture is completed by the sliding rear doors as required by the category but also for reasons of ease of access, which have hidden handles like the front ones.
Initially, the L380 will be available in the Chinese market, while it will gradually arrive in selected European markets.