LCV: What is a Light Commercial Vehicle?
Small trucks, vans, pickup trucks ... Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are commercial transport vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of up to 3.5 tons. Compact and rugged, LCVs are designed for commercial or industrial use, offering versatility and reliability for a wide range of applications. Find out everything you need to know about Light Commercial Vehicles for Industrial Bodywork Professionals.
Light Commercial Vehicle: Definition
LCVs, vans, or light trucks are vehicles designed to carry light to medium loads. The rear of the LCV is designed to carry equipment or goods. With a compact structure and adequate load capacity, they are ideal for use in urban and suburban environments. These vehicles are characterized by their ergonomic design, agility on the road, and fuel economy.
Since the GVW of LCVs does not exceed 3.5 tons, you don't need a truck license to drive them; a "Permis B" is sufficient.
The different types of commercial vehicles
LCVs come in a variety of sizes and capacities to meet different needs. Common examples include delivery vans, commercial vans, and light-duty pickups.
Van: a popular utility vehicle
Available in a wide range of sizes in terms of length, height, and volume, the van generally offers the ability to carry 2 to 3 people in the front of the vehicle. Equipped with a sheet metal box to conceal the goods carried inside, the van is the most common type of LCV.
The deep-cab LCV
The ideal compromise between a commercial vehicle and a company car, the deep-cab van can carry up to 3 or 4 extra people in addition to the 3 seats already present in the front of the vehicle. Equipped with an additional fixed or movable bench seat, this type of vehicle allows you to transport your teams while maintaining a suitable loading area.
The commercial vehicle with chassis cab
Simply put, it's a pickup truck without the box. Depending on the application, the Chassis Cab utility vehicle can also accommodate a dump truck, waterproof box, or passenger transport unit. It's a popular choice for companies that need flexibility and customization. The chassis cab model has only one chassis: it is impossible to transport anything without adding a transport unit. On the other hand, the Floor Cab model has a floor on which goods can be placed.
The refrigerated utility vehicle
This type of vehicle is used to transport perishable goods such as meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, and medical or chemical products. Refrigerated trucks can transport products at controlled temperatures ranging from -20°C to +12°C.
To achieve this, they are equipped with either:
- An isothermal box: in this case, the body is equipped with an isothermal box with a volume of 15 to 100 L, mono-temperature or multi-temperature, depending on the storage space.
- A refrigeration unit: capable of producing cold, the refrigeration unit is generally associated with a thermoregulator so that the desired temperature can be selected. The truck is powered by mains and a battery to keep the cell at the right temperature.
Professionals who use refrigerated commercial vehicles must have ATP (Accord sur le Transport de Denrées Périssables) approval from the CEMAFROID group, a certificate of approval from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires and FGTD bodywork (temperature-controlled van).
LCVs: Benefits
Freight transport, commercial logistics, construction work, delivery services... LCVs offer many advantages, making them an attractive choice for many users. Their versatility means they can be used in a variety of contexts, while their fuel economy and low maintenance costs make them a cost-effective option in the long run. Moreover, their compact size facilitates maneuverability in tight spaces, making them ideal for use in urban environments.
Commercial vehicle electrification: a fundamental trend
With growing environmental concerns and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the electrification of commercial vehicles is an increasingly important issue for industrial body shops. Although the electrification of LCVs has been slower than passenger cars, more and more manufacturers are offering electric or hybrid commercial vehicles.
Good to know: As soon as an electrical product is operational while the vehicle is in motion, it must be R10 certified. This is why Dolphin Charger has had its PRO-LITE OEM 25 charger certified by UTAC Ceram.
Dolphin Charger Products for LCVs
Dolphin Charger has designed a dual-output DC/DC charger to cope with the voltage variations of Euro 6 and Euro 7 alternators on LCVs, offering unrivaled autonomy. Patented at European level and R10 certified, this charger is compatible with all battery types (including lithium) and all refrigeration technologies.
Dolphin Charger has also developed Integral, a three-in-one product that combines:
- A DC/DC charger that uses the energy SUPPLIED by the alternator to ensure that the cell battery is always charged.
- An MPPT solar controller to connect a solar panel and diversify energy sources
- A 230 V charger to charge your commercial vehicle from a 230 V socket
Extremely compact, the Integral fits perfectly into the tight spaces typical of LCVs. Would you like to know more about the Dolphin Charger product range for commercial and emergency vehicles? Please contact us.
