The first prototypes of the new London Electric Vehicle Co (LEVC) van are now being assembled at the company’s ‘state of the art’ factory in Coventry, ahead of the van’s debut at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show (at the NEC) on 28 April.

Due to the advanced manufacturing capability of the LEVC factory, it has been possible to build these prototypes on the same line as current TX production.

They will undergo a strict homologation programme that includes hot and cold climate testing, durability testing and crash testing.

LEVC’s electric van is built using the same lightweight aluminium architecture as its TX electric taxi; this is 30% lighter than a conventional steel body and resistant to any form of rust, and it can absorb twice as much crash
energy as mild steel.

The new van also has class-leading manoeuvrability, with a city-friendly turning circle of 10.1m.

Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC (www.levc.com), said: “The prototype stage is an important milestone in our new electric van’s development process, as we stay on track towards full production in Q4.

"This new van satisfies the growing demand for zero-emission vehicles in the 1 tonne segment, and it combines this with extended mileage capability to eliminate any range anxiety.”