This is the new Skywell 233 fully-electric van - and it's coming to the UK.
Skywell isn’t a brand you’re likely to be familiar with. The Chinese company first made its mark in electric bus production, but now it’s setting its sights on the European van market. At this month’s Paris Motor Show, it revealed its first UK-bound model, the ‘233’ large van.
Founded in 2000 as Nanjing Golden Dragon, Skywell has been around in the EV world for a while. In 2011, it became part of the Skyworth group, a big player in consumer electronics with an annual turnover of £21 billion. That tech background has had a clear influence on the tech-focussed development of the 233 van.
The Skywell 233 is a large van, set to compete with full-size models like the Ford E-Transit, Renault Master E-Tech and Vauxhall Movano Electric. Buyers will have two wheelbase options — 5,490mm or 5,990mm — and two roof heights of 2,200mm or 2,700mm, providing cargo volumes ranging from 9.5m³ to 13m³.
There will be options for different payload demands, with a 3.5-tonne or 4.25-tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM). The latter will offer a payload capacity of up to 1,755kg, which is almost 300kg more than the Vauxhall Movano Electric can accommodate.
Skywell has partnered with CATL for the batteries, offering two Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) options: 88kWh and 105kWh. These power a 150kW (204hp) electric motor that puts out 370Nm of torque, which is ample for most commercial applications.
The bold, modern look of the 233 incorporates sculpted contours with a sleek front grille accented by LED light bars. Once inside, the spacious cockpit provides a modern workspace equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen alongside wireless smartphone connectivity and charging. Drivers will also get a six-way adjustable seat for comfort and keyless entry for convenience.
To adhere to the latest safety requirements, the 233 is equipped with a host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to reduce the risk of accidents, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, and Intelligent Cruise Assist.
Pricing details for the Skywell 233 van are still under wraps, but we’ll likely hear more when the van makes its UK debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC in April 2025. It’s expected that Skywell will ensure the van is priced to undercut its rivals.
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