Skywell — known for its success in electric bus production in China — is looking to make its mark on the European van market, revealing its 233 large van at this month’s Paris motor show.
Who is Skywell?
Initially founded in 2000 as Nanjing Golden Dragon, Skywell rose to prominence in the EV sector before joining the Skyworth Group in 2011. Skyworth, primarily a consumer electronics giant, has an annual turnover of £21 billion, and its influence is clear in the tech-forward approach seen in the new 233 van.
What’s a Skywell 233?
It’s a large van to rival the likes of the Ford E-Transit, Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, Renault Master E-Tech, and Vauxhall Movano Electric. The Skywell 233 will be available in two wheelbases (5,490mm and 5,990mm) and two roof heights (2,200mm and 2,700mm), allowing for a range of cargo volumes from 9.5m3 to 13m3.
The van is designed to meet a range of payload demands, with options for either a 3.5-tonne or 4.25-tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM). The higher GVM variant offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1,755kg — almost 300kg more than a Movano Electric can carry.
Providing power to the 233 is a choice of two battery packs, an 88kWh or 105kWh Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) battery, both sourced from EV battery manufacturing leader CATL. These batteries feed into a 150kW (204hp) electric motor that produces 370Nm of torque, providing the van with enough power for most commercial applications.
Skywell 233 Design
The 233 boasts a bold, modern look with a sleek front grille, sculpted contours, and eye-catching LED light bars. Inside, the van presents a modern workspace featuring a spacious cockpit equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and smartphone connectivity. The van includes a six-way adjustable seat and keyless entry for driver comfort.
As the latest safety regulations require, the van comes with a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Intelligent Speed Assist, alongside Intelligent Cruise Assist. These technologies aim to reduce the risk of accidents and enhance driver comfort.
Pricing and Availability
The 233 is set to make its UK debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC in April 2025. Pricing and the production model’s final name are expected to be announced at that event, but expect it to undercut the Ford E-Transit and Vauxhall Movano Electric.
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