Maxus Dana V1 Electric Vehicle: An In-depth Review

The Maxus Dana V1 hits the market with confidence, positioning itself as a formidable competitor among electric minibuses and vans. Originating from China, this electric vehicle (EV) starts sales in 2023, immediately grabbing attention with its impressive specifications and user-centric features. Comparable models in its class might include the Nissan e-NV200, Renault Kangoo Z.E., and Mercedes-Benz eVito. Let's dive into what makes the Maxus Dana V1 stand out from the crowd.

1. Built for the Grind: Maxus Dana V1 Design Overview

The Maxus Dana V1 is proof that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing practicality. Rolled out in January 2024, this mid-size van comes from SAIC’s commercial arm, Maxus, and it’s aimed squarely at couriers, contractors, and businesses that care more about uptime than luxury. Its boxy silhouette is unapologetically functional—think more loading dock than lounge.

• Length: 5,145 mm (202.5 in)
• Width: 1,985 mm (78.1 in)
• Height: 2,030 mm (79.9 in)
• Wheelbase: 3,100 mm (122 in)

Unlike posh rides like the NIO EL8 or sleek commuters like the Deepal L07, the Dana V1 keeps its priorities straight: six-door access, a low loading height (520 mm), and enough room in the back for a serious payload. No frills—just function.

2. Under the Skin: Performance and Range

Here’s where it gets interesting. The Dana V1 isn’t a speed demon, and that’s fine. A 90 kW (121 hp) motor powers the base model, while higher trims get 163 hp. Torque lands at 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), enough to haul heavy loads through city streets. Top speed? A governed 100 km/h (62 mph), perfect for stop-and-go delivery runs.

• Motor: 90–163 hp (66–122 kW)
• Torque: 220 Nm (162 lb-ft)
• Top Speed: 100 km/h (62 mph)

Battery sizes include 31 kWh, 42 kWh, and 62 kWh, offering CLTC-rated ranges of 230, 305, and 350 km respectively. Real-world? Knock off 15–20%—still enough for a full shift of delivery stops.

• Range (Real-World Estimates):
• • 31 kWh: ~180–200 km (112–124 mi)
• • 42 kWh: ~240–270 km (149–168 mi)
• • 62 kWh: ~280–310 km (174–193 mi)

Charging doesn’t drag either. DC fast charging brings the battery from 0–80% in 45 minutes, while 7 kW AC charging tops it off in 6–8 hours—perfect for overnight plug-ins at the depot.

3. Size That Works: Cargo Space and Towing

This van is built for grunt work. With 6.2–6.5 cubic meters of cargo space (219–229 cu ft), it bests the Nissan e-NV200 and the Kangoo E-Tech. Payload tops out at 1,400 kg (3,086 lb), and it’ll tow 2.5 tons if you spec it right. That’s serious metal for the price.

• Cargo Volume: 6.2–6.5 m³ (219–229 cu ft)
• Payload: 1,400 kg (3,086 lb)
• Towing Capacity: 2,500 kg (5,512 lb)

The six-door layout—with dual sliding side doors and rear swing doors—makes access a breeze. Load up, get out, and get back on the road in record time. Compared to the single-slide Nissan e-NV200 or Kangoo E-Tech’s limited access, the Dana V1 wins the ergonomics game.

4. Inside the Cab: It’s Not Fancy, But It’s Smart

Step inside, and you won’t find suede headliners or ambient lighting. Instead, there’s a hard-wearing, purpose-built cabin with enough tech to keep you connected and enough space to keep your elbows off the door panel.

• Infotainment: 7-inch touchscreen
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth
• Comfort: AC, power windows, cruise control

There’s no second row—this is a two-seater van with a singular focus: moving stuff. Controls are simple, materials are tough, and the touchscreen gets the job done without pretending to be an iPad.

5. Tech That Works for You

You’re not getting NOMI or Level-4 autonomy here, but you do get a decent suite of ADAS features. Think adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, and AEB. It’s the kind of tech that keeps your fleet safe without needing a PhD to operate.

• ADAS Features:
• • Adaptive Cruise Control
• • Lane Departure Warning
• • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• • Rearview Camera and Parking Sensors

It’s not Tesla territory, but it’s more advanced than what Nissan or Renault tosses into their aging commercial EVs. And at this price, it’s borderline generous.

6. Cost to Own: Built for Budget-Conscious Fleets

Now the juicy part. The Dana V1 starts at just $14,480 and tops out at $20,100 for the big battery version. That’s half the price of a Nissan e-NV200 and a third of what you’d pay for a Mercedes-Benz eVito.

• Base Price: $14,480 USD (€13,500)
• Top Trim (62 kWh): $20,100 USD (€18,800)
• Warranty: 5 years / 100,000 km

Running costs? Dirt cheap. Electricity costs around $0.02–$0.05 per mile depending on location. No oil changes. Fewer moving parts. Less downtime. That’s music to any fleet manager’s ears.

7. How It Stacks Up Against the Rivals

Here's a quick look at how the Dana V1 compares to its closest rivals:

• Nissan e-NV200: 40 kWh battery, 200 km range, 705–770 kg payload, price ~$30K. Less range, less payload, way more money.
• Renault Kangoo E-Tech: 45 kWh, 270 km range, 640 kg payload, 3.9–4.6 m³ cargo. Good urban performer, but cramped.
• Mercedes-Benz eVito: 60 or 90 kWh, up to 421 km range, 905 kg payload, starts at $43K. Great van, painful price.

The Maxus Dana V1 punches way above its weight. For urban deliveries, mobile workshops, or even last-mile logistics, it's hard to beat the value per mile you get here.

8. Who Should Drive One?

If you’re managing a delivery fleet, operating a mobile service business, or just tired of paying for diesel and oil changes, the Dana V1 deserves a look. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have massaging seats. But it’ll get your gear, groceries, or Amazon parcels where they need to go—cheaply, cleanly, and reliably.

• Best For: Couriers, e-commerce, tradespeople, rental fleets
• Not For: Speed demons, luxury seekers, long-haul drivers

Fleet buyers will love the low TCO. Tech-savvy small business owners will appreciate the modern infotainment. And if you're just looking for a zero-emission van that won’t kill your budget, here it is.

9. Pros and Cons Breakdown

Let’s wrap it up with the highlights and hiccups:

• Pros:
• • Best-in-class affordability for an electric van
• • 350 km range (CLTC) from 62 kWh battery
• • Huge 1,400 kg payload and 2.5-ton towing capacity
• • Six-door layout is ultra-practical for logistics
• • Fast charging and solid ADAS features for the price
• Cons:
• • Spartan interior with minimal storage
• • Real-world range slightly below CLTC claims
• • Cabin could be tight for taller drivers
• • Limited global brand awareness compared to Nissan or Mercedes

But let’s be honest: at this price point, most buyers will gladly overlook a few rough edges in exchange for low operating costs and rock-solid reliability.

10. The Verdict: Maxus Dana V1 Is Ready for Business

For businesses looking to electrify their fleets without going broke, the Maxus Dana V1 is about as good as it gets. With solid range, practical tech, and payload numbers that leave the competition in the dust, this Chinese-built workhorse is ready to hustle—quietly, efficiently, and affordably.

• Top Range: 350 km (CLTC), ~310 km real-world
• Max Payload: 1,400 kg
• Towing: 2,500 kg
• Starting Price: $14,480 USD

It may not be the flashiest van on the lot, but it’s the one you’ll want when your livelihood depends on reliability, range, and return on investment.