Tools and equipment hirer, Speedy is trialling converted electric van to introduce innovative, sustainable solutions that can reduce carbon emissions
The London Electric Vehicle Company’s (LEVC) real-world testing and trial phase for VN5, its new electric van, has partnered with Speedy.
Launching in Q4 2020, VN5 is based on the same architecture and proven eCity range-extender technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi and gives a pure EV range of 61 miles (93 km) and a total flexible range of over 300 miles (484 km).
Joining other UK businesses such as Royal Mail and DPD, Speedy is the latest company to take delivery of a converted TX prototype in the UK.
Due to the similarities between TX taxi and VN5, LEVC is deploying a fleet of prototype TX models with a full interior van conversion, to enable trials ahead of the official VN5 launch later this year.
Like the TX taxi, VN5 is equipped with a class-leading turning circle of just 10.1m for unrivalled mobility in busy city environments.
VN5’s cargo capacity easily accommodates two Euro sized pallets with a gross payload of over 800kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side-loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.
LEVC’s trial phase is taking place over the next few months and will see over 25 partners take delivery of the test vehicles, ranging from tool & equipment hire to energy suppliers and delivery services. These companies have been specifically chosen to put the vehicle through a variety of different use cases.
Setting a new standard
Joerg Hofmann, LEVC CEO, said: “We are pleased to be joining forces with Speedy, adding another high-profile name to our growing roster of VN5 trial partners.
“Its business is based on delivering tools and equipment to construction and infrastructure sites, often in and around large cities: the kind of working day our new flexible, zero-emission capable one-tonne van was built for.
“We are looking forward to developing our relationship with Speedy over the coming months.”
Aaron Powell, head of fleet at Speedy, added: “The construction sector accounts for 10% of the UK’s carbon emissions and we recognise that the hire industry is uniquely placed to introduce innovative, sustainable solutions that can reduce this.
“This new electric van will set a new standard for small electric commercial vehicles, LEVC’s powertrain technology has already saved 36,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere through its use in the taxi and shuttle market.
“Energise, our environmental and social responsibility programme, sits at the heart of how we operate and together with satisfying demand for low-carbon products, we’re committed to revolutionising how we collect and deliver them for our customers.
“We look forward to growing our partnership with LEVC to bring greener transport options into the sector.”
