Electric LCV brand Asiastar headed to Australia

CHINESE light commercial vehicle manufacturer Asiastar is set to make its entrance into the Australian market within the first quarter of this year with a range of all-electric van, light bus and cab-chassis models.

The 75-year-old manufacturer says its products will offer the largest battery size available in the Australian electric van segment, the 105.6kWh pack paired with its innovative eAxle rear-drive motor to provide improved range and packaging for commercial customers.

Asiastar, a subsidiary of the Weichai Group, says that in eliminating the tail shaft, its vehicle range is able to offer weight savings in the vicinity of 10 per cent, while the removal of various components from the driveline offers further efficiency gains, within the range of five to 10 per cent.

For the local market, Asiastar says its focus is on last-mile deliveries, trade and construction companies, local government use, community transport, aged and patient transport, as well as integration into rental fleets.

Asiastar vehicles will be imported locally by Foton Mobility Distribution and will be fully supported by a nationwide network of dealers and service partners.

“It is an exciting time to be bringing the Asiastar product to Australia,” said Foton Mobility Distribution general manager of light duty vehicles Bill Gillespie.

“In Australia, commercial vehicle buyers are now looking to all-electric solutions to meet their environmental mandate, and through Asiastar, we have a comprehensive range that are proven performers, which simply makes financial sense.

“The electric van segment is truly underserviced locally, and with the innovations we are bringing to market with our leading battery size, range, and eAxle configuration, we know this this will be a hit.

“From a price standpoint, the cab-chassis version starts at under $90,000 excluding GST, which really brings down one of the main barriers to converting to EV.

“Asiastar is making big inroads in their various markets around the world, and we are working closely with the factory and our local upfitters to be able to provide off-the-shelf tailored solutions that will cater to any application.”

Mr Gillespie said that from launch, available Asiastar products will include a 70kWh and 105.6kWh van and cab-chassis, while the bus variant will be available only with the larger 105.6kWh battery pack. The bus is available with no seats, or with 12 seats, to suit bespoke fitouts.

The larger 105.6kWh / 500-volt battery pack offered in Asiastar vehicles is produced by CATL. It feeds an eAxle motor developing 140kW/390Nm and offers a driving range of up to 300km (claimed).

All vehicles have a 4500kg GVM and may be driven on a car licence. Payload is listed at between 1480 and 1870kg, depending on variant.

Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock braking, AEB, stability control, lane departure warning and a reversing camera (on van and bus models).

The Asiastar range will be backed by a five-year / 200,000km warranty with the traction batteries backed by an eight-year/300,000km warranty. Roadside assistance is provided for the duration of the warranty period by NTI Truck Assist.

Service intervals for the range are set at 80,000km.

Asiastar vehicles are expected to begin their arrival into local showrooms by the end of the first quarter of 2024.