Chinese commercial brand Asiastar coming to Australia with electric vans and cab-chassis commercial vehicles

A new (to Australia) brand is about to enter the commercial vehicle market from China, poised to bring several versions of its electric van platform here to rival models like the LDV eDeliver 9 and the Ford E-Transit.

Asiastar, a brand that has a fair bit of history in its home nation, is bringing a sub-$90,000 staring price to its range when it launches soon, though expect its fully-equipped vans to be closer in price to the $104,990 E-Transit or even the  $116,537 eDeliver 9 - both before on-road costs.

The brand says stock has already landed locally and should be available in dealerships by the end of Q1 this year, with more information to come regarding pricing.

From launch, Asiastar's vans will be available with either a 70kWh or 105.6hWh battery, and maximum power output of 140kW from its 'eAxle' electric motor.

Asiastar's vans boast an "estimated driving range" of 300km for the larger battery, as well a claimed 1870kg payload with the smaller battery fitted, while the larger battery allows for 1650kg.

Resemblance to Mercedes-Benz vans such as the Sprinter comes thanks to a joint venture between the two brands, though its press statement makes no mention of this.

In Australia, Asiastar vans will be imported by Foton Mobility Distribution and serviced by an existing network of dealers.

From launch, Asiastar’s vans will be available with either a 70kWh or 105.6hWh battery, and maximum power output of 140kW from its 'eAxle' electric motor.

Bill Gillespie, Foton Mobility Distribution's General Manager of Light Duty Vehicles, said electric commercial vehicles are "truly in demand [in] the local market".

"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 make financial sense.

In Australia, Asiastar vans will be imported by Foton Mobility Distribution and serviced by an existing network of dealers.

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

While almost entirely unknown in Australia, Asiastar has been around for the majority of the last century in its home nation, founded in 1949 and part of the Weichai Group - reportedly ranked 18th in China's top 100 multinational companies.

While almost entirely unknown in Australia, Asiastar has been around for the majority of the last century in its home nation.