New electric van starts real-world testing

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC), which designs, engineers and manufactures low-to-medium volume electric vehicles (EVs), has started an intensive, real-world testing programme for its eCV1 light commercial vehicle

Described as a game-changing 3.5-tonne van, WEVC’s new vehicle attracted strong interest at Birmingham’s Commercial Vehicle Show and, since then, the prototype has been out on the road, racking up miles as part of the testing programme.

Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC, says,

The first of multiple commercial vehicle offerings to come from WEVC, the eCV1 uses the company’s PACES architecture, a sophisticated modular electric vehicle platform. PACES complies with ISO regulations and exceeds stringent European Small Series Type Approval safety standards.

Its ‘cell-to-chassis’ system means batteries are integrated to the primary structure (rather than having a separate battery pack), optimising stiffness, minimising weight, and maximising payload. As a result, the clean sheet design means the eCV1 has none of the structural, weight and packaging compromises inherent in most electric LCV designs, many of which having been converted from ICE (internal combustion engine) drivetrains.

The eCV1 features a central driving position and its cab can be configured as a one, two or three-seater, with the large glass house providing superb visibility. A further benefit of the central driving position is that it has allowed the A-pillars to be repositioned inboard, thus reducing frontal area and drag. The unique platform design creates generous full standing height headroom.

The WEVC eCV1 prototype has a kerbweight from just 1,750kg, delivering high payloads and ranges in the 3.5-tonne and 4.25-tonne segments.

 

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