#wattelectricvehicle Company (WEVC) today announces a major milestone in the continued strategic growth of its unique #ev offering, outlining plans to build up to 5,000 new electric commercial vehicles per annum under its own brand and on behalf of third-party manufacturers at an all-new facility in the Midlands, all of which will be based on its new state-of-the-art #ev platform.
Called Passenger And Commercial #ev Skateboard (PACES), the innovative and highly flexible architecture allows the niche vehicle industry to meet the considerable challenges of transitioning to an electric future by providing a sophisticated, yet cost-effective #ev platform “off-the-shelf”.
Highly customisable for different body styles, sizes and configurations, #paces can support any
low-to-medium volume manufacturer, specialist vehicle converter or start-up, and complies with
ISO regulations and European Small Series Type Approval safety standards. Its cell-to-chassis system means batteries are fitted directly to the primary structure (rather than having a separate pack), optimising stiffness and minimising weight.
Fully supported by a leading UK-based #ev technology supply chain, WEVC has undergone a comprehensive development process with #paces over the last two years and is market-ready. Capable of providing the basis for a whole new range of bespoke electric last mile, vans, trucks and buses – in fact, any type of commercial vehicle – production manufacturing of PACES-based all-new #ev commercial vehicles by WEVC is scheduled to start in the Midlands in Q3 2023.
Watt #ev Company will reveal a first prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on #paces, by end of Q1 2022, a project that is supported by Innovate UK through its Transitioning To Zero Emission Vehicles Collaborative Research and Development competition.
Neil Yates, founder and owner of #wattelectricvehicle Company, said: “Our #paces architecture and manufacturing processes are flexible and scale-able, a first “off-the-shelf” product specifically targeted for the low-to-medium volume industry capable of supporting any type of #ev, with a
cell-to-chassis structural battery system that optimises chassis stiffness and minimises vehicle weight.
“With ever-increasing pressure on urban emissions, coupled with the growth in home delivery, we have been approached by multiple commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators, who are in desperate need of developing the next generation of electric vans, trucks and buses.
“As electrification of the sector only accelerates, what these companies need is a ready-to-go, sophisticated yet cost-effective #ev platform on which to build their vehicles – that is #wattelectricvehicle Company’s #paces architecture.
“Thanks to the support of Innovate UK grant funding, we will reveal our first prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on #paces, by end of Q1 2022. Production of a new range of
PACES-based electric commercials by WEVC is then scheduled to begin in our new Midlands facility in Q3 2023. Through this facility, we will have the capacity to build 2,500-5,000 units a year.”
WEVC is also a manufacturer of premium sports EVs, producing its own Porsche 356-inspired Coupe from its bespoke facility in St Columb Major/near to Newquay Airport. The first production car to use #paces, the Coupe is a sub-1,000kg rear wheel drive fixed-head sports car that combines retro looks with state-of-the-art #ev technology, featuring a 40kWh battery structurally integrated into the chassis.
Ride, handling and steering have been honed for driver engagement and real-world enjoyment, while the weight distribution is near 50:50 weight with a mid-mounted 120kW electric motor. WEVC has already completed more than 12-months of testing and development, with a WTLP range of up to 230 miles and a 0-62mph time of just over five seconds. 21 Launch Edition Coupes available to order now priced from £81,250; customer deliveries commence early 2022.
Neil Yates, founder and owner of #wattelectricvehicle Company, added: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to our launch of the WEVC Coupe with very few Limited Edition cars remaining available. Alongside the production of this new #ev at our existing factory, WEVC will also establish another facility in Cornwall in 2023, an all-new facility that will focus on the low-volume manufacturing of sports cars and passenger EVs, at volumes of around 150 units per year. Together with manufacturing in the Midlands of electric commercial vehicles, my vision is for #wattelectricvehicle Company to lead the production of tomorrow’s low volume electric vehicles.”
