Lightweight Ultra Low Emissions Delivery Van

This project will deliver two fully functioning prototype lightweight electric vans, with diesel range extender. The overall van design and driver ergonomics will be specifically configured to meet the onerous duty cycle requirements of commercial vehicle fleet operators (running 3.5tgvw vans). CO2 emissions will be 70g/km (versus 192g/km for current best in class vehicles) and total life running costs will be equal to or less than current vehicles. This will be achieved by the innovative use of new materials, the latest vehicle and component technologies and new approaches to integration, control and system management and vehicle systems health monitoring architectures. The van will feature an aluminium chassis, space frame cab structure, lightweight composite body panels and UK based battery and traction motor technology. The development programme will blend conventional approaches with UK automotive engineering advances typically applied to motorsport, high end and exotic passenger vehicles, to create a truly unique commercial van for local soft tooled , lower volume (but scalable) production. The target market is UK and European fleet operators with a commitment to de-carbonising transport operations. Specification and duty cycle input has already been derived from “voice of the customer” involvement of Royal Mail and DHL, which will be maintained throughout the project. The project consortium combines 'best of British' automotive design, engineering and development technology (Revolve Technologies, Ricardo,Multimatic and Lotus Lightweight Structures) alongside key component developers (Axeon and Evo Electric) and is led by Intelligent Energy.