Astra Vehicle Technologies Hybrid Iveco Daily
Astra Vehicle Technologies impressed our judges by pulling out the stops to produce the UK’s first plug-in hybrid Iveco Daily panel van.
Drivers can select three hybrid modes via an integrated LCD display, seamlessly combining electric motor and diesel engine power, to ensure total flexibility of operation and no range anxiety.
The Hybrid Iveco Daily delivers seamless transition from diesel to electric when needed, using GPS to automatically switch from diesel to electric when entering low emissions zones.
The model uses an Elinta Motors hybrid control unit which, by coordinating the electric motor with the diesel engine, can slash fuel consumption by 70%.
This is a van that has been designed for heavy duty applications and built to last. Weighing in at 3.5 tonnes GVW, the hybrid is also available for all Iveco Daily sizes between 3.5 and 7.2 tonnes GVW in van and chassis cab configurations.
Judges welcomed the arrival of a larger van on the market with this level of technology and were impressed with the hybrid’s ability to automatically switch to pure electric mode in low emission zones.
Bevan Group Voltia van
With customers increasingly demanding an all-electric van with greater cargo capacity Bevan decided that, rather than start from scratch, it could work with Voltia to convert the base model of the Nissan e-NV200.
The resulting conversion has not only boosted the vehicle’s cargo carrying volume, up from 4 cu m to 8 cu m, but has also seen sales soar.
The trick was to remove the vehicle roof, rear frame, doors and floor pan and fit a bespoke lightweight roof to boost height, along with a new rear floor extension, a higher frame and rear doors.
Performance remains strong with the Voltia Van achieving a range of 141 miles in tests which include a 90-stop multi-drop operation carrying a payload of 400kg.
So popular is the conversion that production has had to be ramped up to meet demand with new orders not only from the traditional final mile delivery market but also from supermarkets, power companies and even an undertaker.
Judges praised Bevan’s innovative response to customer demand delivering a cost effective solution that keep costs down and boosts sales volumes.
Iveco Daily CNG
With pure electric vehicles only just starting to offer the range and carrying capacity operators need, the Iveco Daily CNG offers a flexible alternative.
Powered by compressed natural gas the Daily CNG’s 200 to 300 mile range on standard tanks is impressive and for added driver reassurance the model features a ‘get-you-home’ petrol switch-over, adding up to 40 miles.
It is also up to 75% cleaner than its diesel equivalent and delivers around 15% greater fuel economy, saving up to 40% on annual fuel bills.
Since CNG is a clean fuel, the Daily CNG can take advantage of the 4.25 tonne GVW dispensation, giving it a greater payload than comparable 3.5 tonne diesel vans.
The model offers three van body heights - from 1,545 to 2,100 mm - and five payload bed-lengths - from 2,610mm to 5,125mm.
It has a wide choice of van payload volumes - from 7.3 to 19.6 cu m and with seven wheelbases it offers a wide choice of body lengths.
Judges were impressed with the Daily CNG’s payload and flexibility and the overall savings in CO2 emissions.
Maxus EV80
Judges praised the way Maxus UK & Ireland, formerly known as LDV, continues to push the boundaries in the electric vehicle (EV) market, providing game changing zero-emission EVs that offer the same reliability and range as diesel without having to compromise on cost.
Hot on the heels of its successful launch of the EV80 comes the OEM’s latest addition to the range. Dubbed the Maxus eDELIVER 3, this new variant is targeted at the smaller commercial van market.
The EV80 range boasts a 120-mile range on a single charge, with a high-capacity lithium battery which can be fully charged in just over one hour.
It has one of the most advanced ‘pure’ electric power systems in the world and features Digital intelligent CVT that adjusts the torque and output power of the motor under different conditions to create a smooth driving experience.
With a six-year finance deal and the offer of a comprehensive feasibility study on the whole life cost of running an EV fleet, including charger installation costs, operators can also access the support they need to transition to a greener business with confidence.
Judges sang the praises of the Maxus range. One commented: “Maxus has been a serious player in this market now for some years, and broadening the range emphasises their commitment to this sector.”