EV Automotive, a new Australian electric van supplier, launched its new EC11 electric van range over the weekend at the Brisbane Truck Show, bringing to the Australian market what it says will be a “game-changer” in the country’s last mile logistics sector.
EV Automotive first revealed that it would be bringing the EC11 to Australia back in April of 2020 – though, given the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, that it has taken until May of 2021 to officially launch the vehicles is unsurprising.
“It’s the same size as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with a high roof,” said EV Automotive sales manager for Oceania Peter Benardos, speaking to The Driven last year. “We are hoping to have a right-hand drive model for trial within next 2-3 months.”
Last mile logistics such as passenger transport and package delivery have been a target sector for electrification in recent years, with established and new auto manufacturers developing electric vans modelled specifically at last mile needs.
This is where EV Automotive is hoping to create a place for itself. Partnering with Chinese electric bus manufacturer, Skywell Industries, EV Automotive launched its first two electric vans over the weekend at the Brisbane Truck Show.
The EC11 Electric Van range consists of two options, the E-CREW minibus which provides seating for 12, and the E-CARGO which boasts 12.3 cubic metres of cargo space and a 1.7-tonne payload.
With a 73.6kWh battery, and both CCS Type 2 DC charging and a 22kw capacity AC onboard charger, the EC11 range claims an all-electric range of between 200- and 300-kilometres – with the variation in total range coming down to the weight of the load being carried.
Beyond the commonplace cost benefits of switching to electric vehicles – with lower fuel costs as well as less frequent and cheaper services – operators of electric vans like the EC11 range would likely benefit from off-peak charging costs, considering that most last mile services operate primarily during the day.
As such, the EC11 would be able to primarily be charged overnight, making use of off-peak electricity prices.
Other highlights of the EC11 include a respectable 60kW of power and 350Nm of torque in acceleration, before delivering 100kW and 750Nm of pulling power – which, according to EV Automotive, is almost twice the output of a comparably sized diesel competitor.
Already with full ADR certification and approved compliance, the EC11 are now available for pre-order through EV Automotive’s website. Currently, according to the company’s website, the EC11 range is launching in Australia at a price of $89,990 (driveaway).
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.