Arrival Automotive, a UK-based startup with a pretty strong financial backing, is getting closer to the launch of its fully electric van. Our spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype of the EV testing in Germany, prior to the debut of its production version towards the end of the year.
The prototype looks slightly different than the Arrival Beta prototype that was unveiled two years ago. While the overall shape remains identical, the front end appears to be redesigned, with a more prominent bumper, larger intakes, and new LED headlights. The latter look similar to the purpose-built EV concept for ride-hailing that was unveiled last year.
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Another new feature is the glass area on the lower part of the sliding door from the left side. Note that this is a right-hand-drive prototype and the driver’s door doesn’t come with a transparent panel and appears to open in a more conventional manner. The boxy rear end has the signature taillights that haven’t changed much since the early prototypes from 2018 as is the case with the sliding rear door. Arrival will offer van bodies of different lengths and heights, in order to meet the needs of business buyers. The unpainted body panels are made of thermoplastic composites, allowing for easier assembly.
The van will sit on a modular architecture, using LG Chem batteries with a capacity between 44 kWh and 130 kWh depending on the variant. Arrival hasn’t announced range estimates but the EV will most likely exceed the initial goal of 150 miles (241 km) when fitted with the largest available battery.
Mind you, back in 2020, UPS placed an order of 10,000 electric delivery vans from Arrival, after being involved in the project since 2016. Arrival also received an $111 million investment from Hyundai and Kia for the development of purpose-built vehicles, while last year the brand signed a deal with Uber. Following minor delays, production of the electric van is expected to start before the end of 2022, so a public reveal is probably just around the corner.
