Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has recently announced the launch of a groundbreaking new chassis-cab, designed specifically for next-generation electric light commercial vehicles. Known as the WATT eCV1, this innovative and flexible 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit represents the first in a line of multiple commercial vehicle offerings from WEVC.
The eCV1 has been created using the company’s breakthrough, proprietary PACES architecture. This modular electric vehicle platform complies with ISO regulations and exceeds European Small Series Type Approval safety standards, allowing for a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs that can be tailored to meet specific fleet requirements.
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One of the most significant features of the PACES architecture is its “cell-to-chassis” system. This innovation sees batteries integrated into the primary structure of the vehicle, optimizing stiffness, minimizing weight, and maximizing payload. As a result, the eCV1 range delivers class-leading payload and range in the 3.5t and 4.25t segments, with a kerb weight starting from just 1750kg.
The eCV1 features a central driving position, which provides a safer kerbside exit for the operator. The configurable one-, two-, or three-seater cabins come with a large glass house for superior visibility, and a full standing height headroom that facilitates easy ingress and egress. This makes it an ideal choice for commercial vehicle fleet operators who value comfort, safety, and efficiency.
The PACES architecture uses bespoke aluminum lightweight extrusions and ultra-precise laser-cut and CNC-folded pieces that ingeniously interlock and bond together, known as FlexTech®. This results in a lightweight yet sturdy chassis-cab, which is highly versatile and can be used to build up to 5000 vehicles per year. WEVC’s new UK manufacturing facility will be home to its light commercial EV range, including “white label” build provision for third-party manufacturers and OEMs, in addition to its own-branded commercial EVs.
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Neil Yates, Founder and CEO of Watt Electric Vehicles, said that the eCV1 and the company’s PACES architecture embody circular economy principles in the design, manufacture, and operation of commercial vehicles. This means that the eCV1 can be tailored to meet the specific needs of customers who are increasingly conscious of their corporate and fleet operator sustainability responsibilities. In the coming months, WEVC plans to reveal more unique features that make the eCV1 a truly revolutionary light electric commercial vehicle.
