With fleet operators and business owners looking to offset the spiralling fuel costs and the rising prices of goods sparked by the war in Ukraine, there is more than a spark of interest in commercial electric vehicles (CEV).
Shown for the first time at the recent Festival of Motoring (FoM) at Kyalami, the DFSK EC35 will be the first of a planned launch programme from EnviroWheels. The programme launch follows the feasibility study of electric vehicles in the local market.
Initial research conducted at FoM revealed tremendous interest in CEVs from showgoers. Show organisers could hardly keep up with the demand for test drives.
EnviroWheels plans to launch its battery-electric panel van in November and its one-tonne forward-cab bakkie early in 2023. The company is currently testing its panel van, analysing data to determine the ranges and energy consumption in real-world South African conditions.
"It was clear at the FoM event transport operators were extremely worried about high fuel prices and the impact of inflation on service parts. CEVs offer unmatched operational cost and efficiencies because they have fewer moving parts than a vehicle fitted with a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE)," says Troskie.
A CEV fleet is the most cost-effective mode of transport, and it simultaneously reduces an organisation's emission footprint and boosts its green credentials. This inspired EnviroWheels to align with several international EV partners to introduce a range of CEVs that best fit the needs of transport operators and last-mile delivery conditions in the local market.
The DFSK EC35 battery-electric panel van offers a payload of 1 015 kg and a large loading space of 4,8 sqm. The cargo area's dimensions are 2 530 mm (L) x 1 440 mm (W) x 1 270 mm (H).
The load compartment of the two-seater is accessible via sliding doors on both sides of the panel van and the tailgate, and it offers anti-lock braking and electric power steering (EPS).
Driver comforts include air-conditioning, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Charging the EC35's battery will cost as little as R56,50 and yield a travel distance of up to 270 km, depending on load and traffic conditions. Although transport operators plan their fleets' trips so vehicles can be recharged at their bases, it is also possible to recharge EVs at more than 300 fast and rapid public EV charging points across South Africa.
With a fast charger, the battery could be charged from zero to 80% in less than an hour, offering a 200 km range.
The DFSK EC31 forward-cab bakkie offers a payload of 1 020 kg and will be available in chassis-cab, dropside and cargo box configurations. The dimensions of the load box are 2 900 mm (L) x 1 540 mm (W) x 350 mm (H). It offers the same driver comforts and specification levels as the EC35.
Both derivatives are backed by DFSK's 3-year/60 000 km manufacturer warranty and service plan. The traction battery has a 5-year/120 000 km warranty. Minimal maintenance is required, and services are at every 12 months or 20 000 km.
These workhorses are reliable and of outstanding quality. With a 25 cents per kilometre operating cost and low service and maintenance bills, these workhorses are ideal for today's demanding delivery market.
