astra

Chassis conversion specialist Astra Vehicle Technologies, which is exhibiting at Freight in the City Expo on 28 September, is bringing along its first full electric conversion based on the Iveco Daily van.

The company teamed up with Iveco dealer Guest Truck and Van to produce the electric 7.2-tonne IVECO Daily.

It has a range of up to 220km, is fitted with a caged tipper body and is now part of the fleet of London-based highway services firm Ringway.

The conversion saw Astra remove the standard diesel engine and gearbox and replace it with a fully-integrated zero-emission electric drivetrain.

Astra Vehicle Technologies owner, John Chadderton, said: “This is a first for the UK in terms of converting a vehicle in this weight range to electric.

“The conversion process is not just about removing an engine and bolting on a motor, it’s about seamlessly integrating electric power into all of the primary and ancillary systems of the vehicle, such as steering, braking and original manufacturer control systems.”

Ringway is making a significant investment in greening its fleet, and converting existing fleet to deliver best practice.

Scott Wardrop, Ringway chief executive, said: “We are committed to creating a greener future – taking responsibility for the things we can change now, that make a difference for future generations. This means improved air quality, quieter operations and safer working for our teams and the communities we work in.”

Guest Truck and Van supplied the vehicle and supported Astra in ensuring that the conversion was fully integrated.

Robert Spittle, managing director of Guest Truck and Van, said; “We hope this is the first of many conversions of its kind, not just for highways companies but a wide variety of operators using five to seven tonne vehicles.”

Astra Vehicle Technologies team will also be displaying Clearview, the company’s low-level passenger-side window, which meets all the requirements of the Direct Vision Standard.

Freight in the City Expo is a free-to-attend one-day event focused on best practice operation and latest technology for urban freight deliveries. It takes place on 28 September at London’s Alexandra Palace, so register today for your free pass.

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