Is the All-Electric Cenntro Motors Kombi the Delivery Truck of the (near) future?

By
Nathan Adlen
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The Cenntro Motors Kombi might be the face of future delivery trucks in North America. Right now, at this very minute, several companies large and small are testing electric delivery trucks. The Cenntro Motors Kombi is a simple, rear-drive delivery truck with a 6.8 kWh (lithium) battery powering a 17 horsepower motor that makes 368 lbs-feet of torque.

According to Cenntro Motors, the Cenntro Motors Kombi can handle an 800 lbs load and has a 50 mile range. The top speed is 31 mph. Those figures may sound low to you, but remember: this is a small delivery rig that is purpose-built for city runs. If you think about a regular point A-B-C through Z daily delivery run, many of which consist of stop-and-go for under 20 miles, the Cenntro Motors Kombi might be ideal. It would be an ideal service truck for large industrial complexes too.

Most importantly… it looks cool. Yep, buy it and be hip or hated (some people hate old VW vans – they usually hate puppies and kittens too) – it’s small, cool-looking and it should be cheap. If they could double the mileage (even the Nissan Leaf has a 24 kWh power source) and added some groovy sticker options and shag carpet the Cenntro Motors Kombi may create a following.

Due during the second quarter of 2014, the Cenntro Motors Kombi comes in two trims: Green Space with a flat-bed configuration and the City model with a rear box. Both vehicles weight just over a ton and are 72-inches long. Prices are not posted; however, the (less advanced) Zap Truck XL pricing hovers between $15,000 – and $18,000. It’s easy to assume that the Cenntro Motors Kombi will be slightly more.

Is it the face of new things to come? Well, look at it this way: you were curious enough to click on this story based on the photo. There’s a good chance that retro-style electric vehicles will overwhelm the market. This is the first salvo.

Check out this video of a modern, all new van – the Ford Transit Connect Wagon!

Thank you to Car Scoops for the lead.

Nathan Adlen brings an uncompromising passion and love for cars to TFLcar & Truck. Not only does Nathan add his talents to this website,he also works with Roman to review cars for the TFLcar & TFLTruck channel. Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.
Nathan Adlen brings an uncompromising passion and love for cars to TFLcar & Truck. Not only does Nathan add his talents to this website,he also works with Roman to review cars for the TFLcar & TFLTruck channel. Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.

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