Switch IeV3, IeV4 Driven: Delivery Vehicles Go Electric

The world is going electric, and we have first-hand experience. We’ve driven almost everything EV- cars, 3-wheelers, buses, bikes and more. But it’s time to get behind the wheel of a light commercial vehicle. And both belong to Switch Mobility.

Switch IeV3: Performance

One is the Switch IeV3, which is the smaller of the two models we have. Now IeV stands for Intelligent Electric Vehicles. It packs a 25.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that Switch says is good enough for around 140 km on a single charge. The IeV3 produces 54 bhp and 230 Nm, which should be enough for the purpose it is built for. And you can haul around 1250 kg in the back, so 15 number of mes can fit here.

Switch IeV4: Performance

But there’s one more, with more power on offer and where more mes can fit into. And that is the Switch IeV4 which has a slightly larger, 32.2 kWh lithium-ion battery that should give you a range of roughly 130 km on a full charge. It has a payload capacity of 1700 kg, and the IeV4 being bigger naturally produces more power, 80 horses but the same 230 Nm.

Switch IeV3, IeV4: Charging

Now both have a range of around 130 and 140 km. You would be wondering how fast can it be charged? Will it take a long time and make it difficult to finish the deliveries. Well not exactly since both can be charged from nought to 80 per cent in 55 minutes using a 50 kW DC fast charger. This means a decent lunch break should help you get enough juice to finish the day’s work. Another aid to regain some charge while you finish work is regen braking.

Switch IeV3, IeV4: Running Costs

They don’t produce insane amounts of power so yes, there is no instant burst of torque when your right foot gets heavy. Honestly, there’s no need for it too either. The ride quality is fine but it gets a bit bumpy. But the most important bit is how much is it going to save you. Switch Mobility claims that compared to a diesel alternative, the IeV4 will save you up to ₹17,000 over a month, while the IeV3 will save you around ₹12,500 rupees a month. and it should cost you 1.2 to 1.3 rupees per km.

Switch IeV3, IeV4: Interior & Tech

Let’s just quickly glance over some of the creature comforts both of them pack. Of course, there’s an automatic transmission in both, and you also get an electric power steering, hill hold assist, a large touchscreen that’s a dealer-level accessory and a dual-tone cabin. And while the IeV4 gets seating for three up front, the smaller IeV3 can only accommodate two.

Oh before we forget, these two IeVs also get Switch iON telematics system with features like vehicle positioning, operating route, trip history, the condition of the vehicle and so much more.

Switch IeV3, IeV4: Impressions

Now the direct rival in some ways will be the electric Tata Ace models. Both of which have better range than the Switch models in fact. But both can carry way less cargo than these two. So it will boil down to the fact which is more affordable. The Tata pick-ups surely are more affordable with prices starting at around ₹9 lakh but Tata also has an upper hand in the segment with the ICE variants of the Ace, so it’s an uphill task for Switch Mobility for sure.