Continued Investment in the UK EV Market
If you follow the news or read the daily newspapers I am certain you will have seen a lot of negativity in the press around Electric Cars (from certain newspapers anyway), this could be anything from charging infrastructure, cost of the products, range (including anxiety), even reporting how bad they are for the environment!
However, you will no doubt have also seen a lot of positivity coming from many of the manufacturers in the UK committing to the UK for their EV production. This investment is exciting for the UK, it shows that the manufacturers back the UK as a large part of the EV industry.
As well as this it secure thousands of jobs up and down the country, and boosts the economy with billions of pounds of investment in property, training, people, and transportation.
Some of the latest investments are below.
September 2023: BMW/Mini confirm they will spend £600 million upgrading their current factories to allow the new Electric Mini to be built.
September 2023: Stellantis UK announce their Ellesmere Port plant has switched over to build only electric vehicles.
July 2023: JLR owners confirmed a £4 billion investment into an EV battery factory in Somerset which will make JLR batteries and supply other manufacturers.
May 2023: Nissan to produce the new Nissan Leaf at the Sunderland plant. They will also spend £1 billion to create an EV hub which will combine electric vehicles, renewable energy and batteries.
Pre 2023: Bentley to spend £2.5 billion to build an EV factory in Crewe which will build their first ever EV.
It is great to see so many different commitments from the manufacturers around the UK in future proofing the electric vehicle production in time for the 2030 legislation.
The UK's largest public EV charging hub opens at the NEC in Birmingham
The E-Van Guru team usually get excited about the smallest of things. In this case it turns out it's the largest in the UK and it's on our doorstep.
BP Pulse, the EV Network, and the NEC have come together to create the largest charging Giga hub of its kind in the UK. The new charging hub located at the NEC in Birmingham which is also close to Birmingham Airport and International Train Station has the ability to charge 180 EVs simultaneously. There is a mix of 300kW ultra-rapid chargers & 7kW fast chargers. If you are lucky enough to own a 300kW DC compatible vehicle you could pop into the onsite Starbucks Coffee to grab the usual, by the time you have received your coffee and returned to your vehicle you could have gained as much as 200 mile range.
With 16x 300kW DC chargers and 150x 7kW chargers it is the most impressive charging site we have come across. The 7kW allows visitors or exhibitors to charge their vehicles over a longer period as they are usually visiting for the day, these chargers must be pre booked online to use.
It's great to see so many new charging sites either opening up or expanding, many in great locations. We often use the InstaVolt Charging site in Banbury just off the M40, this has in recent months doubled in size from 16 to 32 rapid chargers meaning you are never waiting to get onto a charger, you can also grab a coffee at the local Costa Coffee (there's a theme here) while you charge.
There is a lot of negativity around EV charging that we hear on a daily basis, but the facts show the charging network is improving all the time and this story supports that. The UK is on track to grow its charging network in readiness for the legislation changes in 2030.
East Devon Council take delivery of electric tipper vans
Brian in the E-Van-Guru team has had a long association with East Devon Council (EDC) having previously supplied Nissan eNV200 40kwh tipper units to them through the Link Group framework.
EDC have been moving to a full electric fleet over the last 3 years, including charging installations at all their sites and with a very rural operation throughout East Devon they have successfully embraced the zero emission solution.
So fast forward to 2021, when Link Group on behalf of EDC approached E-Van-Guru for additional units, we had to advise them that with the demise of the Nissan eNV200 product, we would need to look for an alternative electric vehicle product.
At this time our franchised dealer partners Brindley Fleet had just taken delivery of the first Maxus e Deliver 3 chassis/cabs to come into the UK and though there where a number of bodied demonstrators on fleet, they could not enter service due to delays (following Covid lockdown) to Type Approval and ULEV grants, so it would result in relatively long delivery lead times.
However, this delay was outweighed by the benefit of having a OEM built small electric van chassis ready to accept a customised body, improved 700kgs pay load (only had 350kgs on the Nissan’s), 150 mile range per charge and 2 year service intervals.
During August and September 2022, we delivered 5 x Maxus e Deliver 3 SWB 52.5kwh chassis/cabs fitted with a mix of UK Truck Bodies standard and caged tippers, all of which went through our accessory partner Vantage Vehicle Conversions for final fitout of Chapter 8, LED beacons, Reversing alarm and front grille strobes.
Link Group agreed a 5 year Business Contract Hire funding with Days Contracts and Alphabet on behalf of EDC.
This is another example of how the E-Van-Guru team’s experience supported a customer with a more cost-effective solution to their electric vehicle requirements and offered a one stop shop solution to meet their needs.
Finally, our advice to customers operating tippers who want to move to full electric, start with a clean canvas, just because you have operated 3.5t diesel chassis historically, it may be the smaller electric chassis will meet your payload demands, but a substantially lower cost.
E-Van Guru Celebrates First Birthday by Launching Free SME Electrification Initiative
On the 1st November 2021, E-Van Guru celebrates its first year in business. In honour of this milestone, the business has launched a programme dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to migrate to zero-emission vehicle fleets. The programme includes free training, and on-demand help and advice.
E-Van Guru was launched on the 1st November 2020, amid a global pandemic, however, curfews, rules of six and UK-wide lockdowns have not stopped this new business start-up flourishing.
Created by Brian Bachelor, undeniably one of the UK’s leading experts on electric commercial vehicle fleets, the business is now a team of four, and has seen major successes in just 12 months, including a shortlisting for ‘most promising start-up’ at the national Electric Vehicle Innovation & excellence awards 2021.
With over 30 years’ experience in the commercial vehicle industry, and an advocate for electric vehicle fleets since 2014, Brian had become increasingly frustrated by the speed of transition, and the barriers to take-up. He decided to be a catalyst for change by creating a brand independent start-up business, working in collaboration with partners including vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, charging infrastructure and connectivity software suppliers, vehicle converters and finance companies, ensuring fleet operators can now get the complete ‘electric’ solution.
Brian Bachelor Managing Director of E-Van Guru, explained:
‘If you search the Internet, you will find lots of articles which offer advice to vehicle fleet managers about how to migrate to a zero-emission vehicle fleet. The good ones are packed with sensible advice about auditing your fleet, selecting your vehicles and charging infrastructure, and managing the transition. And whilst these articles are good at highlighting the benefits of an all-electric fleet, they also highlight the complexity of the task ahead without offering an end-to-end solution, this is what E-Van Guru was created to deliver.’
From the outset E-Van Guru secured sales support contracts with Brindley Group, Dynamo Motor Company and Vantage Vehicle Conversions. In addition, to signing up consultancy and training contracts with Mercedes-Benz Vans UK and Innovation Automotive (with distribution rights for DFSK and Skywell electric vans), only months later. In addition, E-Van Guru has spearheaded two exciting new product developments - the Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 (high roof) panel van and the wheelchair access project, based on the Mercedes e Vito Tourer.
Brian Bachelor, Managing Director continued:
‘Forming working partnerships with manufacturers, vehicle dealerships and converters has been an important part of our first year, however, it’s our work with fleet operators that has been really encouraging.
Most of the UK’s largest companies are well along their electrification journey, with BP, BT, Direct Line Group, Royal Mail, Scottish Power, Severn Trent and Tesco joining forces to form the Electric Vehicle Fleet Accelerator (EVFA) pledging to convert their fleets to electric vehicles by 2030.
E-Van Guru will continue to work with fleet operators to make the transition to an electric fleet much earlier, supporting organisations to meet their sustainability commitments, whilst delivering clear fuel and maintenance cost savings, and the ability to operate in clean air zones (CAZ) across the UK, without financial penalties.
We are delighted to be working with the Wates Group, one of the largest privately-owned construction, development and property services companies in the UK. However, in our experience it’s SME’s that are finding the transitions most challenging as they don’t have the internal resources and expertise to oversee the transition, and this is where E-Van Guru can really help - right from building the business case to vehicle sourcing and driver training.'
As part of its first birthday celebrations E-Van launched a programme dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to migrate to zero-emission vehicle fleets. The programme includes a series of webinars, the first taking place on 2nd November, supported by on-demand help and advice. You can sign up for the webinar here.
To find out more about E-Van Guru download our brochure here. https://e-van-guru.co.uk/downloads/e-van-guru-brochure.pdf
E-Van Guru Launches New Online Brochure
E-Van Guru’s Six Steps to Migrating to An Electric Fleet.
E-Van Guru’s mission is to accelerate the take-up of zero-emission vehicles by fleet operators. We understand that the switch to an electric fleet goes well-beyond the vehicle. We are brand-independent, working in collaboration with a comprehensive range of partners including vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure and connectivity software suppliers, vehicle converters and finance companies, ensuring fleet operators get the complete ‘electric’ solution.
We work with well-known electric vehicle manufacturers and dealerships including Mercedes-Benz Vans GB, Nissan, Maxus, Renault and Vauxhall in addition to new UK market entrants DSFK and Skywell.
Brian Bachelor Founder and Managing Director of E-Van Guru commented:
'If you search the Internet, you will find lots of articles which offer advice to vehicle fleet managers about how to migrate to a zero-emission vehicle fleet. The good ones are packed with sensible advice about auditing your fleet, selecting your vehicles and charging infrastructure, and managing the transition. And whilst these articles are good at highlighting the benefits of an all electric fleet, they also highlight the complexity of the task ahead without offering an end-to-end solution, this is what E-Van Guru was created to deliver.'
Our government has committed by 2030 to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales. This announcement gives UK public and private sector organisations just 9 years to plan, implement and deliver a fundamental change in vehicle fleets, which represents around two fleet replacement cycles. The clock is ticking, and whilst the adoption of electric commercial vehicles has increased, this increase is from a low base, with UK organisations having a long way to go to meet the 2030 deadline. E-Van Guru is working with fleet operators to make the transition to an electric fleet much earlier, supporting organisations to meet their sustainability commitments, whilst delivering clear fuel and maintenance cost savings, and the ability to operate in clean air zones (CAZ) across the UK, without financial penalties.
This is achieved through our six step process to electrification, download our brochure here.
You can also sign-up to our FREE webinar designed for fleet operators/managers.
Free Webinar: Supporting Your Electrification Journey
Over the next couple of months, E-Van Guru will be hosting a series of free webinars developed for fleet owners/managers to support your electrification journey.
Higher vehicle costs, range anxiety, and new charging infrastructure costs are consistently sited as the top three barriers by businesses transitioning to an electric fleet. However, experience has taught us that failing to engage the vehicle user will ultimately undermine the success of any migration project.
E-Van Guru can support your migration to a zero-emission fleet every step of the way. Take a look at our brochure to find out more about our Six Step Process to Electrifying Your Fleet, download here.
Sign-up to our webinar where the E-Van Guru team will share their knowledge and insights and answer your questions.
We will cover:
- Why delaying your migration to an electric fleet is not an option;
- Building the business case for migration (including Total Cost of Ownership);
- Getting company and operator engagement;
- Assessing your current fleet;
- The e-van line up – what makes, and models are available, and what’s coming next (payload verses range – what’s right for you);
- Charging Infrastructure options and recommendations;
- Fleet software solutions; Funding solutions, grants and support;
- Fleet rollout insights and recommendations;
- Q&A.
Our next webinar will be taking place on Tuesday 2 November 2021, email info@e-van-guru.co.uk to secure your place.
EV Start Up Of The Year Finalists
We're delighted that E-Van Guru is an 'EV Start Up of the Year' finalist in the Electric Vehicle Innovation & Excellence Awards 2021, fondly known as the 'EVIE’s' - the awards shine a light on innovation and excellence in the emerging EV sector, so it's an honour to be part of this incredible event.
The team will be getting all dressed up for a celebratory event in Bristol on the 19th October - maybe we'll see some of you there?
Find out more about the EVIES here.
Dynamove generates a surge of interest with over 1000 expressions of interest
The ‘Dynamove’, now available to order through the authorised Maxus dealer network as the Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van, is a collaboration between E-Van Guru, Maxus, and Dynamo Motor Company – the UK’s only manufacturer of the 100% all electric Black Taxi Cab.
The Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van, with its WLTP city range of 213 miles (WLTP combined 152 miles), 860kg payload, 6.0 cubic metre capacity and full height rear doors is a genuine alternative to the market-leading diesel alternatives.
Maxus introduced the first, all-electric LCV stand at this year’s Commercial Vehicle show, with the new Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van – a raised roof modification of the Maxus e Delivery 3 SWB 52.5kwh van – taking its place alongside the electric van line-up.
The new Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van, now available to order via the authorised Maxus dealer network, attracted significant end-user interest, and favourable media reviews.
Parkers, the UK’s biggest vehicle reviews and advice website, according to independent website analyst organisation, Comscore, commented:
‘It’s done a properly impressive job of grafting on the raised roof and extending the rear doors here – to the point that the Dynamo van looks practically like it came out of the Maxus factory. It’s certainly better looking than the Nissan e-NV200 XL, though that does offer even greater load capacity than the 6.0 cubic metres available from the Dynamo.
The Maxus [e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van] hits back with a higher 860kg payload, however. Not far short of the 905kg available from the standard van. If you’re relatively tall you still won’t be able to stand fully upright inside, but it will still be much easier to clamber about in than a standard-roof e Deliver 3.
Remarkably, the conversion price is a very reasonable £4,995, while the 52.5kWh battery pack (the larger of the two e Deliver 3 options) is said to still give a driving range of around 150 miles per charge.'
Brian Bachelor, Managing Director of E-Van Guru, commented:
‘The Maxus stand really took centre stage at the Commercial Vehicle Show, and it was great to see the new Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van as part of its all-electric line up. We were delighted by the level of interest from Maxus dealerships and national fleets, with over 1000 expressions of interest for delivery between now and the end of 2022.’
Now available to order, the Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van can be supplied as a complete vehicle or as a conversion to free issue units. Conversions, can as an option include a walk-through cab sliding door in the vehicle bulkhead, and roof recess for fridge units.
Brendan O’Toole, founder of Dynamo Motor Company commented:
‘We were delighted to present our all-new Dynamove project (now the Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van) at the Commercial Vehicle Show, our all-electric last mile delivery van conversion that will be added to our zero-emission line-up alongside our Dynamo Taxi, the world’s first all-electric Black Cab.
The new Maxus e Deliver 3 L1 H2 panel van solves the problem of city traffic and in turn pollution, our conversion takes a short wheelbase e Deliver 3 Maxus van, and by raising the roof and lengthening the rear doors, this new option now offers the same cargo capacity as a long wheelbase van.’
Get in touch with us to find our more.
E-Van Guru Appoints New Technical Director
E-Van Guru is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Technical Director – Phil Bachelor – who joins the team on the 30th August 2021.
Phil Bachelor joins E-Van Guru after 16 years at Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham, part of the Swansway Group. He started his career as a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Apprentice, progressing to a Master Technician, and most recently as the dealership’s Service Manager.
Phil Bachelor, commented:
‘I’ve loved working at VW Van Centre Birmingham, joining when I was just 16, so it’s tough leaving so many friends and colleagues behind.
However, I’ve been inspired by how far E-Van Guru had come in the past 9 months, led by my Dad (I know you were wondering!) who is a genuine e-van expert! It’s exciting to become part of a team that’s involved in a diverse range of projects, and it’s an incredible opportunity to be the company’s new technical-lead.’
As part of his role Phil will lead on product demonstrations and handovers, Brian Bachelor explains:
‘As we are brand-independent e-van experts, we have relationships with all the major electric van players (manufacturers and convertors) so we can offer our clients a complete range of electric van demos.
These demo’s go well beyond ‘being thrown the keys’, and include a full vehicle introduction and test drive, with driver training on how to get the best out of the van, in addition to advice on installing the optimum charging infrastructure, all part of the service.’
Phil joins the business in time for the Commercial Vehicle Show which starts on the 31 August. At the show he will be showcasing the new Dyno-Max, a collaboration between E-Van Guru, MAXUS, and Dynamo – the UK’s only manufacturer of the 100% all electric Black Taxi Cab.
E-Van Guru, established in November 2020, is a business dedicated to accelerating the adoption of zero-emission commercial vehicles by fleet operators. It delivers project-based, and on-going advice and support to its clients which include vehicle manufacturers, automotive dealerships, finance companies, vehicle convertors and fleet managers, based in both the public and private sector.
Dynamove Debuts At The Commercial Vehicle Show
The new ‘Dynamove’ with its WLTP city range of 213 miles, 860kg payload, 6.0 cubic metre capacity and full height rear doors, is a genuine alternative to the market-leading diesel alternatives – find out more at the MAXUS stand (5D110).
MAXUS will introduce the first, all-electric LCV stand at this year’s Commercial Vehicle show, with the new Dynamove – a raised roof modification of the MAXUS e DELIVER 3 SWB 52.5kwh van – joining the electric van line-up.
The new Dynamove is a collaboration between E-Van Guru, MAXUS, and Dynamo Motor Company– the UK’s only manufacturer of the 100% all electric Black Taxi Cab. E-Van Guru is the exclusive sales outlet for this exciting new product.
Brian Bachelor, E-Van Guru Managing Director commented:
‘Most companies are now ready to accelerate their transition to an all-electric fleet, however, finding a cost-effective electric vehicle that meets their needs can be a challenge, with range, payload and cubic capacity, reoccurring concerns.
We are delighted to be appointed as the exclusive sales outlet for the new Dynamove, which is a response to these concerns. With its WLTP city range of 213 miles, 860kg payload, 6.0 cubic metre capacity and full height rear doors, it’s a genuine alternative to market-leading diesel alternatives.’
Available from September 2021, the Dynamove can be supplied as a complete vehicle or as a conversion to free issue units. Conversions, can as an option include a walk-through cab sliding door in the vehicle bulkhead, and roof recess for fridge units.
Brendan O’Toole, founder of Dynamo Motor Company commented:
‘We’re delighted to present our all-new Dynamove at the CV Show, our all-electric last mile delivery van conversion that will be added to our zero-emission line-up alongside our Dynamo Taxi, the world’s first all-electric Black Cab.
The new Dynamove solves the problem of city traffic and in turn pollution, our conversion takes a short wheelbase e Deliver 3 Maxus van, and by raising the roof and lengthening the rear doors, the Dynamove now offers the same cargo capacity as a long wheelbase van.’
ABOUT THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW
31 AUG - 2 SEPT 2021 • NEC • BIRMINGHAM • UK
The Commercial Vehicle Show is the industry-leading road freight transport, distribution and logistics event staged in Britain.
For truck and van operators it is their annual shopping trip and meeting place, for sector suppliers the ultimate showcase for their products and services.
For over twenty years the show has been chosen as the platform for new product launches and commercial vehicle debuts – so it’s the perfect launch platform for the new Dynamove.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Get in touch to book your appointment to meet with one of the E-Van Guru team at the Commercial Vehicle Show. They will be able to talk you through the vehicle specification, vehicle availability, sourcing, finance options and charging infrastructure, email emma@e-van-guru.co.uk.