LEVC launches zero-emission capable van

LEVC, the makers behind the electric TX taxi, have launched a new van with zero-emission capability.

Based on the same architecture and range extender technology as LEVC’s TX taxi, this second vehicle from LEVC will give operators and drivers an electric range of 80 miles and a combined petrol and EV range of 377 miles.

LEVC says that the vehicle targets those who travel around 100 miles a day, and can offer a solution for ‘distribution to door’ – not just last mile – providing the link between out of town depots and city centres, capable of collecting goods outside of a major city in range extender mode, before switching to EV mode in an Ultra-Low Emissions Zone.

LEVC CEO Joerg Hofmann said: “Future urban transport is already changing rapidly and we have a golden opportunity to bring something new and disruptive to this market. The light commercial vehicle sector is the only growing vehicle traffic segment in London. This is due to the rapid rise in internet shopping – the Amazonisation of retail. Every day there are 65,000 unique LCV journeys into London, but mobility must not come at the expense of air quality. London’s ULEZ is a blueprint and all major UK cities will introduce a Clean Air Zone by 2020. There is huge demand for a medium-sized zero emissions capable light van and the solution we offer will be more than capable of meeting the requirements of a rapidly evolving green logistics market.”

LEVC has tested the new van to the world’s highest durability standards, adapting its million-mile TaxiDur test for the light commercial vehicle.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who launched the van, said: “I am delighted that LEVC is applying the lessons learnt from designing and building London’s electric black cabs to this new van. Developing clean, sustainable, electric vehicles is essential in order to tackle our air quality emergency and the climate change crisis. London’s commitment to clean air policies is driving our pursuit of a positive electric future for all.”