Van operators interested in finding out more about making the switch to electric vehicles can always get a knowledge boost and advice from experts at the EV Experience Centre in Milton Keynes. And to get a real taste of what’s coming up, they’ll also have the chance to see the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles e-Crafter there this weekend.
Based in centre:mk at 26-28 Crown Walk, Milton Keynes (MK9 3AH), the EV Experience Centre was the UK’s first brand neutral centre dedicated to electric vehicles. Funded through a partnership with Go Ultra Low and complementing Milton Keynes’ status as an Ultra Low City, the centre’s aim is to provide free education and advice about electric and plug-in vehicles.
Not only can the team there inform visitors about the different electric vehicles currently available and coming to the market, but they also offer advice on charging and infrastructure, as well as answering questions to allow customers to make informed choices. They also offer test drive opportunities in a number of different electric cars.
The all-electric e-Crafter made its UK debut at the CV Show in Birmingham earlier this year. Four UK fleets have since tested the e-Crafter in real-world conditions, with the left-hand drive model now on sale in some left-hand drive European markets. UK pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed but it is expected to be available in right-hand drive around mid-2021.
The e-Crafter has been tailored to typical city operations with its 100 kW (136 PS) power, high 290 Nm torque output, range of up to 173 km (c107 miles) and top speed limited to 90 kph (56 mph). A lithium-ion battery is completely integrated into the underbody, meaning the standard vehicle’s entire cargo volume (10.7 m3) is fully usable. A maximum payload of between 1.0 and 1.75 tonnes is available.
Commenting on the Centre’s latest arrival, Ted Foster, Centre Manager at the EV Experience Centre said: ‘We deal everyday with enquiries and concerns about electric vehicles from potential customers, and there’s no doubt van operators have a raft of issues to understand too. Having the e-Crafter at the Centre for people to view, especially over such a busy shopping weekend, will spark some interesting discussions and get operators thinking about what’s right for their fleet.’
