The foundation for the next-generation electric light commercial vehicles has been revealed by Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) with its eCV1. Its lightweight chassis-cab offering will, WEVC hopes, lead to the manufacture of low-to-medium volume eLCVs, not only under its own brand but also for third-party companies.

The WATT eCV1 is a 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit platform concept with flexible configurations; a wide range of design options allows customers to create a vehicle that suits their particular needs.

PACES (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard) is the company’s proprietary modular architecture. Developed to support commercial vehicle manufacturers, specialist vehicle converters and fleet operators in the transition to full electric LCVs, PACES is flexible, lightweight and cost-effective, says WEVC. Using bespoke aluminium lightweight extrusions and ultra-precise laser-cut and CNC-folded pieces which interlock and bond together, it results in a chassis cab with a kerb weight from just 1,750kg, delivering class-leading payload and range in the 3.5t and 4.25t segments.

The battery pack is integrated into the chassis structure — dubbed the ’cell-to-chassis’ system — allowing the eCV1 to minimise weight while maximising payload. This design means that rather than having to make the compromises seen when an ICE drivetrain is converted to electric, WEVC has a clean sheet to work from.

Watt eCV1 electric LCV platform concept

That clean sheet allows the eCV1 to feature an unusual central driving position, allowing drivers to exit the vehicles safely on either side. The cabin can be configured as a one-, two- or three-seater vehicle, with the large windscreen providing plenty of visibility to aid safer driving, manoeuvring and parking. The central driving position also means that the A-pillars are repositioned, reducing frontal area and drag, helping to improve efficiency. This unique platform design creates generous standing height headroom, making entering and exiting the vehicle easy. A ‘walk-through cabin option is ideally suited for urban delivery vehicles.

“I’m delighted to reveal the WATT eCV1,” exclaimed Neil Yates, founder and CEO of Watt Electric Vehicles. “Our unique approach to addressing the challenges facing the industry enables the transition to mission-specific yet cost-effective electric light commercial vehicles. We have embraced circular economy principles in the design, manufacture, and operation of our commercial vehicles to specifically align with increasingly stringent corporate and fleet operator sustainability responsibilities.

“The industry is rapidly moving to a zero-emission future. Working with WEVC and our eCV1 platform will allow customers to benefit from electrified commercial vehicles tailored to exactly meet their needs.”

This PACES architecture can be applied to passenger and commercial vehicles, enabling WEVC to engineer a broad range of lightweight automotive products. The company’s UK manufacturing facility has a capacity for 5,000 units per year, which will be home to its light commercial EV range, with business-to-business services including ‘white label’ build provision for third-party manufacturers and OEMs running in parallel.

Yates added: “As the electrification of the transport sector accelerates, what we are seeing from customers is the need for a ready-to-go, sophisticated yet cost-effective electric commercial vehicle offering. With our first product, the eCV1, we have really re-thought what is possible, and over the coming months will reveal full details of the further unique features that make it a truly revolutionary light electric commercial vehicle.”

Phil Huff
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