B–ON and Chery will partner to produce all-electric light commercial vehicles

B–ON and Chery Commercial Vehicles will partner to develop and produce all-electric commercial vehicles. The European provider of clean mobility solutions and the leading globalized Chinese automobile brand agreed on a larger strategic partnership, including the formation of a joint venture and the launch of the new Pelkan electric light commercial vehicle.

As part of the partnership, B–ON will contribute its network for sales, aftersales, and branding in Europe and North America as well as engineering design and product development, while Chery Commercial Vehicle will provide also provide engineering, in addition to access to its extensive capabilities for both supply chain support and manufacturing.

B–ON and Chery, the launch product will be named Pelkan

The launch product, named Pelkan, will feature a class-leading payload of up to 1350 kg, and two battery variants of 43 and 54 kWh designed to provide extended range up to 226 and 279 km, respectively, all in a comfortable, driver-friendly package. Pelkan will be delivered to customers in mainland Europe beginning mid 2024. 

“Partnering with a major world leader like Chery Group is a pivotal moment for B–ON and its growth,” said Bruno Lambert, CEO of B–ON. “Combined, our ability to provide high quality, low-cost electric commercial vehicles is unmatched in the market today, and I’m extremely optimistic about our joint prospects.” 

“As a leading global automaker, we have long recognized the need to be prepared for an electric future,” added Tongyue Yin, Chairman of Chery Group. “Innovative, agile companies like B–ON are uniquely poised to supply the nascent and rapidly expanding commercial vehicle market in their local geographies but lack the manufacturing base to address the full mass-market demand. Our partnership makes for a perfect union. Together, our future is bright.”