Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has recently announced its new line-up of electric commercial vehicles based on a modular platform. The WATT eCV1, the first vehicle in the line-up, is designed to accommodate various commercial vehicle designs such as vans and chassis cabs, and utilises the company’s proprietary PACES architecture. The platform was created to aid commercial vehicle manufacturers, specialist vehicle converters and fleet operators in their transition to electric vehicles.
The eCV1 is capable of producing up to 5,000 vehicles per year and offers a 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit. According to WEVC, the eCV1 is the first of many commercial vehicle offerings to be launched by the company.
One of the key features of the eCV1 is its cell-to-chassis system, which means the batteries are integrated into the primary structure to increase stiffness, minimise weight and maximise payload. This design eliminates the structural, weight, and packaging compromises often found in most electric light commercial vehicle designs, according to the company.
The eCV1’s range has a central driving position and can be configured as a one-, two- or three-seater vehicle. The modular platform also provides full standing height headroom, allowing easy ingress and egress, and a ‘walk through cabin’ option.
Neil Yates, the CEO and founder of Watt Electric Vehicles, stated that the new vehicle offerings would provide a solution for customers looking for cost-effective and mission-specific electric light commercial vehicles. The company’s approach to designing and manufacturing the eCV1 adheres to circular economy principles, making it suitable for customers who need to meet increasingly stringent corporate and fleet operator sustainability responsibilities.
“As the electrification of the transport sector accelerates, what we are seeing from customers is the need for a ready-to-go, sophisticated yet cost-effective electric commercial vehicle offering,” said Yates. “With our first product, the eCV1, we have really re-thought what is possible, and over the coming months will reveal full details of the further unique features that make it a truly revolutionary light electric commercial vehicle.”
Overall, WEVC’s eCV1 offers a range of benefits to commercial vehicle manufacturers, specialist vehicle converters, and fleet operators. It offers a unique and innovative design, provides a cost-effective solution, and meets sustainability responsibilities. As such, the vehicle is likely to be an attractive option for those looking to transition to electric vehicles.
