WATT ECV1 Van Prototype on show at Farnborough ITT HUB
THE recently revealed WATT EV (WEVC) engineered prototype, the eCV1, a next-generation electric light commercial vehicle, which garnered much attention following its April unveiling, will once again be on display, this time at Farnborough’s ITT HUB on the 10th and 11th May.
On the back of a very busy and engaging Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham last month, the team behind the eCV1 prototype, which features a WEVC chassis cab with a rear body designed, manufactured and fitted by ETRUX, will have their electric vehicle on show and will be available to discuss the solutions that will aid transport operators in driving their fleet to a more sustainable future.
Gerard Galvin, MD of ETRUX, who is keen to engage with transport managers and deliver electric vehicle solutions, said: “Over the last year, I have spearheaded the EVolve programme which offers a 360° solution for public authorities and vehicle operators to transition fleets from diesel to electric vehicles, as part of the government’s 2030 Road to Zero strategy.
“We take a four-phase approach and cover everything from the initial feasibility study and cost analysis to sourcing the right vehicles and charging solutions. The next phase includes maintenance and keeping the fleet on the road and the final phase is the end of life and disposal of the fleet.
“It is important to cover all of these aspects, but it also allows operators to cherry pick their solution. As a one supplier solutions provider who works collaboratively it brings with it many benefits, but one key aspect is the ability to resolve the many pain points that fleet and transport managers have in meeting the government’s aggressive net zero targets. We’ll be at the ITT Hub to engage and discuss practical results.”
However, it’ll be the eCV1, a functional prototype; innovative and highly flexible unit with a 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit that enables a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs, which will be a focus during the two-day exhibition.
Gerard Galvin explains: “The launch of eCV1 saw remarkable engagement with our team and our colleagues at WEVC while in Birmingham. I don’t think that’ll be any different at the ITT Hub as many fleet operators and facility managers want real and deliverable solutions for their current diesel fleet ensuring they are on the road to net zero.
“We’ve found that operators want to engage with us to address the myriad of issues of electrifying their fleets. The fact that we work collaboratively is very appealing where we can facilitate mission specific models, which meets customers’ particular fleet requirements. We hope to highlight how innovation, technology and transport are integral to achieving the transition of vehicle fleets to carbon zero.
“The eCV1 brings with it advantages such as an incredible payload to weight ratio, the safety and energy efficiency benefits of the central driving position and the flexibility of vehicle length and layout.”
Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC, said: “We are delighted to be able to showcase our engineered prototype so soon after its first outing at the CV Show. This will give many more people the opportunity to discuss the wider range of applications and uses for our electric commercial vehicle platform, and for the WEVC team to conduct a number of follow up meetings. As this is a functional engineered prototype, there are still lots of on the road testing to complete but it was important to ensure that we engaged with our customer base at the ITT Hub. Having a great relationship with the ETRUX team that is working hand in hand with us has made it all that bit easier.”
MAGTEC, leading UK designer, manufacturer and integrator of drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles with more than 1,000 commercial EVs in service across the world, will be showcasing their 7.5t Electric Powered Isuzu chassis. They will also be discussing the manufacture of an electric drive system and chassis structure along with a full vehicle build.
Also, on the stand is one ETRUX’s E-Transit welfare vehicles, which is based on the L3H2 leader model. The Welfare van offers an effective mobile solution with a wide range of applications; it has the facility to accommodate up to seven people. It offers one of the safest and robust welfare van solutions on the market and is available on all 3.5 tonne light commercial vehicles, as well as having the ability to be configured to suit a customer’s requirement.
These three leading companies look forward to engaging with potential customers on how the electrification and the repowering of vehicles is going to serve the industry in the years to come.
