Watt unveils range of light electric truck prototypes on single platform

Whilst I generally apply the proverb ‘many a slip between cup and lip’ to announcements of early development prototype EVs (and therefore avoid writing about the), every now and again one comes along that at the very least gives an indication of one possible future industry trends. 

For that reason alone, the recently revealed eCV1 3.5t and 4.25t light truck and light commercial vehicle (LCV) range by Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) is worth at least a more than passing glance.

Having made it off the drawing board to become an engineering prototype, it was shown for the first time at the recent Birmingham Commercial Vehicle show in the UK.

It is interesting on three fronts: the first is simple look of it. The eCV1 is a shift away from the traditional LCV shape and more towards the design language exemplified by the Tesla Semi (pictured above).

The eCV1 will offer a central driving position and more streamlined shape reminiscent of the larger Tesla – the point being made by WECV is that the central driving position allows the A-pillars to be repositioned inboard, reducing drag through a reduction in frontal area.

The second interesting trend shown in the eCV1 is the lightweight EV skateboard WEVC has developed.

Called the PACES (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard), WEVC describe it as comprising “bespoke aluminium lightweight extrusions and ultra-precise laser-cut and CNC-folded pieces, which ingeniously interlock and bond together, creating a technical innovation known as FlexTech”.

WEVC suggests that this platform allows for a lightweight chassis and structural battery configuration, enabling a significant weight saving that can be passed back into the payload.

The third trend shown by the prototype is the flexibility of the platform. WEVC has designed its platform as a cheap way to produce low volume (up to 5,000 per annum) models of both light truck and passenger vehicles. 

According to Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC:

“Our unique approach to addressing the challenges facing the industry is going to enable the transition to mission-specific, yet cost-effective electric light vans – vehicles which, because they have been designed from a blank sheet of paper, are packed full of innovative features that bring benefits to both fleet operator and drivers.”

As a peek into one possible future of the automotive industry, the eLCV1 and associated BEV platform is definitely worth more than a passing glance.

It certainly does exemplify the point I often make that with the introduction of the electric propulsion, the traditional shape of vehicles is about to change …. once we pass the stage of making EVs look like their predecessors. (Just like the original ‘horseless carriages’ looked like carriages without horses before they evolved into the shapes of today).

As to whether it will be anything more than a design exercise, only time will tell. Hopefully, it will only be a few years before I am writing about the arrival of ‘the new bespoke LVC options from up and comer new EV manufacturer, WEVC’.