Emerald Automotive Unveils World’s First Electric Delivery Van Designed To Carry 3,000 Pounds
Emerald Automotive recently unveiled its new electric delivery van, the world’s first extended range electric delivery van for fleets that allows companies to haul the same amount of product in electric vehicles that is usually hauled in conventional delivery vans.
Last year, the manufacturer announced plans to build its custom-built electric delivery vans in Hazelwood, MO. The $175 million plant proposes to bring about 600 jobs to the northwest suburb of St. Louis.
"This vehicle has been specifically designed for fleet customers who drive 100 miles or more each day," says Andy Tempest, CEO of Emerald. "These customers are spending a lot of money on gas, and they have requested an electric vehicle that won’t compromise on payload."
With its 3,000 lb capacity, the t-001 will be similar to a traditional delivery van, but with a 60-mile range in electric mode and a 400-mile range using its seven-gallon gas tank, the van is expected to reduce emissions by up to 80 percent and cut costs for companies with large fleets. With fewer moving parts than purely gasoline-powered vans, the hybrid electric van also might save on trips to the mechanic and repair costs.
"A lot of electric delivery vehicles are so heavy they can’t haul much," says Gary Marble, Director of Sales and Communication. "We’re bringing companies what they expect in a delivery vehicle, and it costs far less to operate."
Though the t-001 prototype unveiled in September was designed, built and tested in the United Kingdom, the company plans to produce the vehicle at its Hazelwood facility within the next two years. Their goal is to build 10,000 electric vans a year for fleet customers. The company will also be targeting fleet customers in the European market.