Kier Group to trial LEVC VN5 prototype

Construction company Kier Group has taken delivery of a prototype of LEVC's new electric van, VN5, for use in real-world testing.

The prototype is based a full interior van conversion of the TX Taxi - due to its similarities with the VN5.  

Joerg Hofmann, LEVC CEO, commented: “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​.”​

The VN5 cargo capacity easily accommodates two Euro sized pallets with a gross payload of up to 830kg. 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.

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 (98 km) and a total flexible range of over 300 miles (484 km).Like the TX Taxi, VN5 is equipped with a class-leading turning circle of just 10.1m for unrivalled mobility in busy city environments.

Phil Gale, Kier Group’s Head of Highways Fleet and Plant commented:​ “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​”

Partners are taking delivery of test vehicles during LEVC’s VN5 trial programme, ranging from Tool & Equipment hire to Energy suppliers and postal services. These companies have been specifically chosen to put the prototype vehicle through a variety of different use cases.