EV Automotive delivers an electric option for last-mile deliveries
As convenience, delivery speed and efficiency continue to define customer experience, businesses researching the suitability of electric vehicles (EVs) to carry out last-mile operations has also increased. With convenience taking centre stage, so does the demand for fast, efficient and consistent last-mile operations.
EVs are ideally suited to the task. They are eco-friendly and offer significant cost-saving benefits to the logistic industry.
EV Automotive is an all-Australian company entering the commercial fleet space as a new EV van supplier. In partnership with Skywell Industries, predominantly an electric bus manufacturer, it has created products to enhance the Australian and New Zealand logistics industry and meet growing corporate sustainability initiatives.
With full volume Australian Design Rules certification and compliance now approved, the EC11 electric van range will be launched to the Australasian market at the Brisbane Truck Show.
The EC11 is explicitly designed as an off-the-shelf solution. The E-Cargo does not need operators to compromise on capacity – with 12.3 cubic metres of cargo space and a 1.7-tonne payload, the EC11 E-Cargo is suitable for the largest loads.
With a 12-seat capacity, the E-Crew minibus also promises to provide a viable electric solution to on-demand operators such as pubs and clubs for courtesy buses, NDIS providers, aged care and shuttle transfer providers.
Equipped with a 73.6kWh battery, CCS Type 2 DC charging and a 22kW capacity AC onboard charger, the EC11 promises to offer the most flexible recharging options to operators, EV Automotive says.
A range of between 200–300km (based on load) offers sufficient route coverage for daily use. If recharging at night, businesses can expect to recharge their fleet of EVs using off-peak power tariffs, thus eliminating the downtime experienced with daytime recharging.
Performance has not been overlooked either—the challenge is to provide optimal power delivery without wasting valuable energy reserves.
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The EC11 is quick off the mark with a respectable 60kW of power and 350Nm of torque; this quickly develops into 100kW and a massive 750Nm of pulling power, which is almost twice the output of a comparably-sized diesel competitor.
While all sorts of delivery businesses can easily implement an EV delivery fleet, the EC11 is most suited to companies that perform last-mile deliveries within a fixed and limited radius, EV Automotive says.
More and more businesses are now using telematics and other artificial intelligence systems, which can help accurately plan delivery routes and daily dispatches while driving smaller distances.
Couple this to using an EV and the costs savings are even more significant. In the end, it is all about driving smarter.
In Australia and New Zealand, EVs are gradually gaining in popularity. Now, with the introduction of the EC11 to the commercial market, it is undoubtedly a worthy investment to consider in 2021 and beyond.
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