LEVC has partnered with Kier Group on a trial of its VN5 electric van across its highways business.
The converted taxis are being used on Kier’s highways maintenance projects and form part of the trials of LEVC being undertaken by 25 firms across numerous sectors. Transport and Energy has previously reported on trials, including one by Speedy Hire.
The vehicle has a full interior van conversion and the VN5 cargo capacity accommodates two Euro sized pallets with a gross payload of up to 830kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.
Based on the same architecture and proven eCity range-extender technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi, VN5 offers the same electric powertrain with a pure EV range of 61 miles and a total flexible range of over 300 miles. The VN5 is also equipped with a turning circle of 10.1m for mobility in city environments.
Speaking about the trial, Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC, said: “Kier Group operates a significant fleet of commercial vehicles all over the UK, used in everything from highways maintenance to urban construction and is sector in which we believe our electric VN5 will perform well. As we move towards the launch of VN5 in Q4, we are looking forward to establishing a commercial vehicle partnership with Kier.”
Phil Gale, Kier Group’s Head of Highways Fleet and Plant, said: “We are excited to put LEVC’s new VN5 prototype vehicle to the test in a number of different real-world scenarios across the whole of our Highway’s business, the range-extended electric powertrain will give our drivers the flexibility they need to work up and down the Country. Kier Group is looking to decarbonise its vehicle fleet by 2030 and move towards greener transport solutions; LEVC will play a key role in kickstarting this strategy”.
