Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has launched the eCV1, its latest electric commercial vehicle model, based on a modular platform. The 3.5-tonne electric van was unveiled to the public at the CV Show, following a partnership agreement between WEVC and electric commercial vehicle specialist, ETRUX. The eCV1 is the first of a range of electric commercial vehicles that WEVC plans to launch. The vehicle’s chassis allows for a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs, including vans and chassis cabs, thanks to the company’s proprietary PACES architecture.
The eCV1 is designed for production of up to 5,000 vehicles per annum, and the vehicle’s cab and chassis unit is the first of multiple commercial vehicle offerings that will come from WEVC. The vehicle uses a cell-to-chassis system that optimises stiffness, minimises weight and maximises payload. WEVC says this system means the eCV1 has none of the structural, weight, and packaging compromises inherent in the majority of electric LCV designs.
The eCV1 range features a central driving position and can be configured as a one-, two-, or three-seater vehicle. The unique platform design enables full standing height headroom, facilitating easy ingress and egress and a ‘walk-through cabin’ option. The next step is for WEVC’s electric vehicle platform technology to be adapted by ETRUX into a range of offerings for the commercial vehicle market.
Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC, said: “I’m delighted to reveal the WATT eCV1 here at the CV Show. Our unique approach to addressing the challenges facing the industry will enable the transition to mission-specific, yet cost-effective electric light commercial vehicles. The industry is rapidly moving to a zero-emission future, working with WEVC and our eCV1 platform will allow customers to benefit from electrified commercial vehicles tailored to exactly meet their needs.”
Yates added that the electrification of the transport sector has accelerated the need for a sophisticated yet cost-effective electric commercial vehicle offering. He stated that with the eCV1, WEVC has rethought what is possible and will reveal full details of the further unique features that make it a revolutionary light electric commercial vehicle in the coming months.
