Project Summary

Uptake of Commercial Electric vehicles (CEVs) vans and trucks is very slow compared to cars. This is largely due to the limited range of CEVs (120/140 miles) and the lack of suitable charge points. We will address this by placing a battery powered EV charger into CEVs giving an extra 35/45miles allowing for a return to base or find a suitable and working EV charger. Drivers will be trained in new driving behaviours, so they understand what actions affect range. New skills will enable them to mitigate negative actions that reduce CEV range. This will accelerate the adoption of CEV.

Project Achievements

The charger was constructed to a specific specification and an electric vehicle ordered (a Mercedes e-Vito). The project was baselined so that progress could be monitored effectively using route information from telematics. Drivers were trained in new driving behaviours and the overall solution put into a live operational environment. Telematics was also fitted to the new vehicle and the project team met regularly to discuss results and progress. Each day’s data was analysed and benefits calculated and monitored.

Conclusions

The battery booster provided the confidence and assurance for Coastways to switch their diesel vehicle to electric. Over the course of the trial, this provided a benefit of 1.1tonnes reduction in CO2e, which pro-rated is 5.2tonnes. The design did have some limitations, but these were due to the prototype nature of the battery. To be commercially viable, smaller dimensions and the ability to be charged without the vehicle’s door open would be required. Driver feedback was positive in both the battery and vehicle. In testing this solution, a further (and potentially greater opportunity) has presented itself for the HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) market.

Next Steps

Sun Harvester will focus on the impacts, knowledge and learning gained from the TRIG funded project. The first response to the data gathered from the trial is to look at the size and weight of system trialled in the Mercedes e-Vito vehicle and to consider bringing a more compact design for going forward with commercialisation in this fleet class. The test has been very encouraging and there is clear potential for a 7kw compact system for commercial vans. In addition however, the trial has presented a clear vision and opportunity for larger vehicles. By scaling up the system we can move confidently into the HGV class where the potential for a greater market is. To create a HGV commercial system, Zhyphen engineers are working on an off-grid charger to bring to the market an alternative to on-grid shoreline chargers.