WEVC eCV1 quick overview

• WEVC gives first look at the unique driver-focused central driving position of its eCV1
  3.5-tonne prototype light electric commercial vehicle
• Locating the driver centrally brings a host of safety, ergonomic and aerodynamic benefits and adds to the roster of pioneering innovations of its next-gen electric van
• Working prototype will debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the Birmingham NEC from 18-20 April, as part of a partnership with ETRUX
• WEVC’s innovative, highly flexible architecture enables cost effective production of
  mission-specific electric light commercial vehicles below 5,000 units per annum
• https://www.wattelectricvehicles.com 

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has revealed the first glimpse inside its electric eCV1 prototype electric commercial vehicle, showcasing its unique central driving position.

Public debut

Making its public debut at the Commercial Vehicle show at the Birmingham NEC next week in the form of a working prototype, the innovative UK-designed WEVC eCV1 is a clean sheet design based on WEVC’s flexible EV architecture which enables a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs, facilitating mission-specific models which meet customers’ particular fleet requirements.

One of the platform’s key benefits is an ergonomic cabin focused on a central driving position, always allowing easy kerbside exit for driver safety and one, two or three seat configurations. As well as easing ingress and egress on either side and offering remarkable headroom, the central driving position gives excellent visibility, further enhancing driver and other road users’ safety.

Placing the driver in the centre of the vehicle also facilitates a smaller frontal area, which combined with a class-leading kerb weight, results in a highly energy efficient electric commercial vehicle. The prototype at the CV Show will demonstrate a representative two-seater layout and is being shown on the stand of WEVC partner, ETRUX, an electric commercial vehicle specialist.

Following the signing of an MoU between the two companies in March, the collaboration will see WEVC’s game-changing electric vehicle platform technology adapted by ETRUX into a range of offerings for the commercial vehicle market. To underline the intent of the relationship, ETRUX will be exhibiting an engineering prototype at the NEC, based on the eCV1 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit, complete with an in-house-designed body.

Neil Yates CEO WEVC eCV1

Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC said: “Our unique approach to addressing the challenges facing the industry is going to enable the transition to mission-specific, yet cost-effective electric light vans – vehicles which, because they have been designed from a blank sheet of paper, are packed full of innovative features that bring benefits to both fleet operator and drivers.

“Our eCV1’s cabin has been designed to make their job easier, safer, and less strenuous, improving visibility, maximising headroom, allowing them to get in and out of the van from either side, and not into traffic. Putting the driver at the centre of things helps them avoid damage with a better view, while maximising driving range through reduced frontal area.

“This layout brings a host of unique advantages – and it’s part of a raft of innovations that allow us to truly tailor a fleet of vehicles to customer requirements. We cannot wait to show people the vehicle for the first time in Birmingham next week.”  

The WEVC eCV1 prototype is built around the intrinsically lightweight PACES architecture results in a chassis cab with a kerb weight from just 1750kg, delivering class leading payload and range in the 3.5t and 4.25t segments.

The CV Show will be the first chance to see the functional prototype, which will be continuing test and development activities directly after the event. Designed for production of up to 5000 vehicles per annum, WEVC’s innovative and highly flexible 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit enables a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs, facilitating mission-specific models which meet customers’ particular fleet requirements.

ETRUX will be exhibiting the WEVC eCV1 on stand 5D88, at the commercial vehicle show at the Birmingham NEC from 18^th-20^th April

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Manufacture of up to 5,000 new commercial EVs per annum scheduled for 2023 in the Midlands; first prototype to be revealed Q1 2022 

• Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC)’s state-of-the-art, cost-effective, cell-to-chassis modular EV platform, PACES, is the foundation for future electric vans, trucks and buses
• Highly customisable for different body styles, sizes and configurations, PACES can support any low-to-medium volume manufacturer in the transition to zero emissions
• Manufacturing of all-new PACES-based electric commercial vehicles to start at an all-new facility located in the Midlands in Q3 2023
• First prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on PACES, to be revealed by WEVC in
  Q1 2022, a project supported by Innovate UK grant funding
• Cornwall-based company is also a manufacturer of premium sports EVs, producing its own Porsche 356-inspired Coupe from its site in St Columb Major
• Alongside its existing facility, WEVC will also open a new Cornish EV factory in 2023, manufacturing sports cars and passenger EVs on behalf of third-party manufacturers

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) today announces a major milestone in the continued strategic growth of its unique EV offering, outlining plans to build up to 5,000 new electric commercial vehicles per annum under its own brand and on behalf of third-party manufacturers at an all-new facility in the Midlands, all of which will be based on its new state-of-the-art EV platform. 

Called Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard (PACES), the innovative and highly flexible architecture allows the niche vehicle industry to meet the considerable challenges of transitioning to an electric future by providing a sophisticated, yet cost-effective EV platform “off-the-shelf”.

Highly customisable for different body styles, sizes and configurations, PACES can support any
low-to-medium volume manufacturer, specialist vehicle converter or start-up, and complies with
ISO regulations and European Small Series Type Approval safety standards. Its cell-to-chassis system means batteries are fitted directly to the primary structure (rather than having a separate pack), optimising stiffness and minimising weight.  

Fully supported by a leading UK-based EV technology supply chain, WEVC has undergone a comprehensive development process with PACES over the last two years and is market-ready. Capable of providing the basis for a whole new range of bespoke electric last mile, vans, trucks and buses – in fact, any type of commercial vehicle – production manufacturing of PACES-based all-new EV commercial vehicles by WEVC is scheduled to start in the Midlands in Q3 2023.

Watt EV Company will reveal a first prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on PACES, by end of Q1 2022, a project that is supported by Innovate UK through its Transitioning To Zero Emission Vehicles Collaborative Research and Development competition.

Neil Yates, founder and owner of Watt Electric Vehicle Company, said: “Our PACES architecture and manufacturing processes are flexible and scale-able, a first “off-the-shelf” product specifically targeted for the low-to-medium volume industry capable of supporting any type of EV, with a
cell-to-chassis structural battery system that optimises chassis stiffness and minimises vehicle weight.

“With ever-increasing pressure on urban emissions, coupled with the growth in home delivery, we have been approached by multiple commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators, who are in desperate need of developing the next generation of electric vans, trucks and buses.

“As electrification of the sector only accelerates, what these companies need is a ready-to-go, sophisticated yet cost-effective EV platform on which to build their vehicles – that is Watt Electric Vehicle Company’s PACES architecture.

“Thanks to the support of Innovate UK grant funding, we will reveal our first prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on PACES, by end of Q1 2022. Production of a new range of
PACES-based electric commercials by WEVC is then scheduled to begin in our new Midlands facility in Q3 2023. Through this facility, we will have the capacity to build 2,500-5,000 units a year.”

WEVC is also a manufacturer of premium sports EVs, producing its own Porsche 356-inspired Coupe from its bespoke facility in St Columb Major/near to Newquay Airport. The first production car to use PACES, the Coupe is a sub-1,000kg rear wheel drive fixed-head sports car that combines retro looks with state-of-the-art EV technology, featuring a 40kWh battery structurally integrated into the chassis.

Ride, handling and steering have been honed for driver engagement and real-world enjoyment, while the weight distribution is near 50:50 weight with a mid-mounted 120kW electric motor. WEVC has already completed more than 12-months of testing and development, with a WTLP range of up to 230 miles and a 0-62mph time of just over five seconds. 21 Launch Edition Coupes available to order now priced from £81,250; customer deliveries commence early 2022.

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