Coolvan has revealed a new refrigerated version of the Maxus eDeliver 3 electric van.

Using a specially adapted fridge unit, the van offers a 745Kg payload and a 150-mile range.

The new vehicle will allow operators to enter in the expanded London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) for free and is also exempt from the central London Congestion Charge.

The refrigeration system runs off the vehicle’s 12v battery to minimise the impact on its driving range.

Coolvan says the chiller will only deplete a fully charged 12v battery by a maximum of 8% during a typical working day and an integrated onboard charger regulates recharging to maximise performance and minimise energy consumption.

The chiller compartment is insulated to a depth of 75mm lightweight materials to maximise the unit’s efficiency, rendering heavy and expensive additional batteries redundant.

Despite the extra insulation, the short wheelbase 52kW eDeliver 3 retains an internal load length of 1900mm and capacity of 3.0 cubic meters. Maximum payload is 745kg before driver.

The eDeliver 3 can recharge to 85% of full battery capacity in 45 minutes on a rapid DC charger and the refrigeration unit does not need recharging.

Coolvan managing director Chris Warburton said: “Since the introduction of the T-charge in London in 2017, we have seen a steady increase in enquiries about zero emission fridge vans.

“Enquiries increased again during the first lockdown as the food service and hospitality sectors rapidly recalibrated their businesses to meet a surge in retail demand and direct sales.

“Since then, we have seen new supply chains established in the hospitality sector and many food service distributors have taken the opportunity to review their operations and invest to future-proof their business.

“Our advice is to replace older diesel fridge vans now as lead times are likely to lengthen as more cities across the UK follow the Capital’s lead.”

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