UK-based WATT unveils innovative electric LCV platform

Watt Electric Vehicle Company has recently unveiled innovative platform for electric light- and medium-duty commercial vehicles. Designed for production of up to 5,000 vehicles per annum, the innovative and highly flexible 3.5-tonne cab and chassis unit, codenamed WATT eCV1, enables a wide range of electric commercial vehicle designs, facilitating mission-specific models which meet customers’ particular fleet requirements.

WATT’s ’cell-to-chassis’ system means batteries are integrated to the primary structure (rather than having a separate battery pack), thus optimising stiffness, minimising weight and maximising payload. As a result, the clean sheet design means the eCV1 has none of the structural, weight and packaging compromises inherent in the majority of electric LCV designs, many of which having been converted from ICE drivetrains and which are further constrained by traditional high volume manufacturing processes.

WATT launches new chassis, the eCV1

The eCV1 range features a central driving position which allows a safer kerbside exit for the operator, whichever side of the road the vehicle is driving or parked on. The cabin can be configured as a one-, two- or three-seater vehicle, with the large glass house providing superb visibility making the vehicle safer to drive and easier to manoeuvre and park.

The intrinsically lightweight PACES (this is the architecture name) results in a chassis cab with a kerb weight from just 1750 kg, delivering class leading payload and range in the 3.5 ton and 4.25 ton segments.

“I’m delighted to reveal the WATT eCV1. Our unique approach to addressing the challenges facing the industry enables the transition to mission-specific, yet cost-effective electric light commercial vehicles. We have embraced circular economy principles in the design, manufacture, and operation of our commercial vehicles to specifically align with increasingly stringent corporate and fleet operator sustainability responsibilities“, stated Neil Yates, Founder and CEO of Watt Electric Vehicles.