Watt Electric Vehicle Company Unveils Lightweight and Efficient Chassis-Cab for Next-Gen Electric Commercial Vehicles

U.K. – Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has announced the release of a lightweight and efficient chassis-cab for next-generation electric light commercial vehicles. The innovative and flexible 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit, codenamed WATT eCV1, is designed for production of up to 5000 vehicles per annum and allows for a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs to meet specific fleet requirements. The eCV1 is the first of multiple commercial vehicle offerings from WEVC and uses the company’s breakthrough, proprietary PACES architecture, a modular electric vehicle platform that complies with ISO regulations and exceeds European Small Series Type Approval safety standards.

The PACES architecture features a “cell-to-chassis” system, integrating batteries into the primary structure of the vehicle to optimize stiffness, minimize weight, and maximize payload. The eCV1 range includes a central driving position that allows for a safer kerbside exit for the operator, configurable one-, two-, or three-seater cabins with large glass house for superb visibility, and a full standing height headroom that facilitates easy ingress and egress. The intrinsically lightweight PACES architecture results in a chassis cab with a kerb weight from just 1750kg, delivering class-leading payload and range in the 3.5t and 4.25t segments.

The PACES architecture is a technical innovation that features bespoke aluminum lightweight extrusions and ultra-precise laser-cut and CNC-folded pieces that ingeniously interlock and bond together, known as FlexTech®. With a capacity of 5,000 units per annum, WEVC’s new UK manufacturing facility will be home to its light commercial EV range, which includes “white label” build provision for third party manufacturers and OEMs, in addition to its own-branded commercial EVs.

Neil Yates, Founder and CEO of Watt Electric Vehicles, stated that the eCV1 is the result of embracing circular economy principles in the design, manufacture, and operation of commercial vehicles to align with increasingly stringent corporate and fleet operator sustainability responsibilities. Yates added that the eCV1 and the company’s PACES architecture would allow customers to benefit from electrified commercial vehicles tailored to meet their specific needs. Over the coming months, WEVC plans to reveal full details of additional unique features that make the eCV1 a truly revolutionary light electric commercial vehicle.

Source

Avatar photo
The EV Report

The EV Report is a digital platform dedicated to the global electric vehicle industry. It is a product of Hagman Media Group, and its mission is to inform, engage, and connect industry professionals and EV enthusiasts with relevant news and insights.