Oxford: EAV manufactures zero-emission van for deliveries
Oxford-based EAV is the manufacturer of the unique EAVan, an eCargo bike developed ‘down from a van’ rather than up from a bicycle. The zero-emissions, super lightweight EAVan is a bio-mechanical electric-assist vehicle which was developed as the result of a clean air partnership between EAV and Birmingham-based DPD group, the UK’s parcel delivery company.
Developed over two years and launched at the Oxford EV Summit, the EAVan has already found success with orders from DPD and its network and is being deployed as part of a Smart Urban Delivery Strategy recently announced for the UK. The Norwegian logistics company, Posten Norge and Danish/Swedish postal service, Posten Nord, are also customers of the EAVan with many more international enquiries in the pipeline.
The EAVan is an environmentally-focused bio-mechanical hybrid quadracycle which uses a 250 watt electric motor and pedals. It can cover a range of up to 60 miles at a speed of up to 25kmh (15mph), carry up to a 120kg payload and can be recharged using a standard 13amp, 240v plug socket. Batteries can also be swapped to keep the EAVan in constant operational use but are fully charged in under 6 hours.
The bike’s body is made from advanced composites which include carbon fibre and the latest fully recyclable materials such as hemp fibres bonded together with a resin based on the oil from cashew nut shells. The EAVan is lightweight to ensure minimum impact on roads, cycle paths, pedestrian zones and any other areas where it can be used.
EAV’s unique Cloudframe chassis has been developed to produce a wide range of vehicles which can offer a lot more than just eCargo deliveries. The chassis can be widened and lengthened to offer every option of van or car use within an urban area.
From a flatbed truck to an ambulance, security vehicle or taxi, the EAVan can operate as a service vehicle or for personal transport. The design solution was based on an ambition to convert city and town centres into quiet, zero emission zones without losing any of the transport advantages of modern efficient vehicles.
Adam Barmby, founder and technical director at EAV, commented: “The EAVan is classed as a cargo e-bike, but really, we started from scratch and reimagined an entirely new type of vehicle to operate within the parameters of today’s zero-emissions landscape. The modular design allows us to extend or shorten the chassis and change the rear deck configuration to fit whatever brief we have. In addition to the design flexibility, there is also a whole new set of efficiencies that we are tapping into here. Realistically, the EAVan can move as fast or faster than a traditional van or car through many cities because of the different routing it can take.”
