Commercial vehicle bodybuilder Bevan Group is to start selling electric vans following an agreement with Slovakia-based Voltia to license and assemble its conversion of a Nissan e-NV200.
The fully electric e-NV200 conversion has a load volume of up to 8cu m, almost twice that of the standard van. Maximum payload for the high volume van is 580kg, while power comes from Nissan’s standard electric motor for the e-NV200 which produces 80kW and 254Nm of torque.
The extra-high body enables drivers to stand in the back of the van, while its low entry height makes it well suited to urban deliveries.
Voltia CEO Juraj Ulehla said: "We are proud to be working with Bevan Group, which we chose from a number of potential UK business partners due to its reputation and strong position within the industry. Not only will local production and distribution of our electric vans be more environment-friendly, thereby supporting British cities in their endeavours to reduce emissions, but this partnership will also enable us to smooth the process of delivery to the UK market, even post-Brexit. It’s a ‘win-win situation’ and we’re confident customers will appreciate the benefits.”
Production of the Bevan-bodied e-NV200s will start at the end of January in Wednesbury, with ten units expected to be completed per week. Panels and other components will be imported from Voltia, but Bevan’s ultimate aim is to produce the parts in-house creating as many as 20 jobs in the process.
“This is a hugely exciting opportunity,” said Bevan Group MD Anthony Bevan. “The Nissan e-NV200 with Voltia conversion is an outstanding product which combines the environmental compatibility of a fully electric, zero-emission drivetrain, with the market-leading productivity of an 8cu m carrying capacity. The fact that the driver can stand up in the back of the van also offers obvious benefits in terms of health and safety, while at nearly 125 miles its range comfortably exceeds the requirements of most, if not all, ‘last mile’ delivery specialists. These attributes also make the van a very attractive proposition for tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters who work in urban areas, so we’ll also be offering a range of racking options to suit their needs.”
The vehicles will be supported by Nissan’s standard warranty, as well as a five-year bodywork warranty from Bevan Group.
