GAZ Group unveils MAXUS electric vehicle

(24/10/2008)

GAZ Group has premiered its very first MAXUS electric vehicle. The fully driveable prototype is currently on test with key customers, as the company finalises specifications, launch plans and markets across Europe. The new electric vehicle prototype has been developed by GAZ Group’s UK business, LDV Group.

The vehicle has been specified by a major home delivery fleet operator with the following specification:
• Payload of up to 1446 kg
• Five-speed manual transmission
• Top speed of 55 miles per hour
• Range of 85 miles
• Excellent packaging with the battery located between the chassis rails, which allows safe weight distribution
• Short battery recharge time of four hours for full battery with 80 per cent recharge in two hours (3 phase)
• Ultra simple maintenance
• The vehicle utilises the gearbox giving maximum torque for all speeds
• There is an option to have just forward and reverse

Unveiling the new prototype, LDV’s chief executive, Evgeniy Vereshchagin, said: “The ECV1 has been designed to maximise safety whilst optimising loadspace and payload, with batteries ideally packaged between the chassis rails. At the request of major fleet customers, the driver interface has the minimum level of change from a diesel vehicle, so driver retraining is limited to just a few minutes. The vehicle is powered by lithium-ion batteries and can also be offered with different options of payload, range and top speed.”

Mr Vereshchagin said that rising fuel costs were rapidly reducing the payback period of electric vehicles compared with diesel models: “Today has never been a better time for large fleets with urban-based delivery operations to consider electric vehicles. Our responsibility as a manufacturer is to look to the future and in particular the effects carbon emissions and vehicle pollutants are having on the environment. We believe that an electric vehicle that boasts zero CO2 emissions, with a top speed of 55 miles per hour will be extremely popular across many European markets.”

Related categories:  Green cars and environment   Hybrid and electric car   Trucks and lorries   Vans