First look at central driving position of new electric van

The Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has revealed the inside of its electric eCV1 prototype electric commercial vehicle, showing a central driving position.

The UK-designed WEVC eCV1 is based on the manufacturer’s flexible EV architecture which, it says, enables a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs, facilitating mission-specific models which meet customers’ particular fleet requirements.

One of the platform’s key features is an ergonomic cabin focused on a central driving position, allowing easy kerbside exit for driver safety and one, two or three seat configurations.

As well as easing ingress and egress on either side, the central driving position gives excellent visibility, further enhancing driver and other road users’ safety, the manufacturer says.

The prototype will demonstrate a representative two-seater layout and is being shown at this week’s CV Show on the stand of WEVC partner, ETRUX, an electric commercial vehicle specialist.

Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC, said: “Our unique approach to addressing the challenges facing the industry is going to enable the transition to mission-specific, yet cost-effective electric light vans - vehicles which, because they have been designed from a blank sheet of paper, are packed full of innovative features that bring benefits to both fleet operator and drivers.

“Our eCV1’s cabin has been designed to make their job easier, safer, and less strenuous, improving visibility, maximising headroom, allowing them to get in and out of the van from either side, and not into traffic.

“Putting the driver at the centre of things helps them avoid damage with a better view, while maximising driving range through reduced frontal area.”

Following the signing of an MoU between ETRUX and WEVC in March, the collaboration will see WEVC’s electric vehicle platform technology adapted by ETRUX into a range of offerings for the commercial vehicle market.