The vehicle is a conversion carried out by Electra Commercial Vehicles direct from the factory on a glider – a partially-built chassis without an engine. Instead, Electra fits an electric powertrain. A similar arrangement is in place with RCV bodybuilder Dennis Eagle; a group of vehicles for the city of London are said to be operational later this year.
RCVs are not the only focus of the start-up company that is run by Sid Sadique, chairman of NRG Fleet Services and Kent-based Mercedes-Benz dealer Sparshatts Truck & Van.
Last month, it held a ride-and-drive event in Winsford with IVECO dealer Guest Trucks promoting a full-electric conversion of a refrigerated 19t 4x2 Eurocargo rigid. The vehicle’s lithium iron phosphate prismatic cells, 205kWh capacity, can power the drive motor, and through an inverter the Frigoblock EK25 twin system fridge and the bodywork. The traction motor powering drive offers 260kW continuous power, 350kW peak power and 2,060Nm continuous and 3,400Nm peak torque.
At 10.85m long, the Electra SEIV 19-350 weighs 11.44t unladen, including tail-lift, and features Paneltex dual-zone body
Another project is under way with Isuzu.
All of the conversions are produced in Blackburn, which has a capacity of 20 vehicles/month. It focuses on 2-4 axle commercial vehicles for urban city centre applications. Modular battery packs can range from 40kWh to 300kWh.