The latest vehicle confirmed for the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge is a new all-electric commercial based on the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi.
The Maxi EV, developed by a partnership between RLE International and Energetique, was first unveiled in the UK at the recent Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle Show and Conference at Millbrook Proving Ground which took place in September.
The new electric light commercial vehicles joins others including Ford, Gordon Murray Design, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nicholson McLaren, Smart, Tata, Tesla, Toyota and Vauxhall, who are all confirmed as entrants to the eco-challenge set to take place on November 6, 2010.
The MaxEV is a fully electric commercial, capable of a maximum range of 200km on a single charge. Using 35kWh battery pack, the vehicle can be recharged using a quick charger in just 30 minutes. With seating for two, the vehicle has a load and weight volume of 4.2m3 and 748kg.
The Future Car Challenge, sponsored by the RAC, will take place the day before the world famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run using the same 60 mile course. The challenge aims to highlight low energy impact vehicles, which can have a major positive effect in climate change. The focus is on minimising energy use over the journey, with prizes to be awarded for vehicles that use the least energy throughout the 60 mile course.
The two firms behind the MaxEV began developing the vehicle after signing a MOU back in 2009.
On announcing their entry into the competition, FiDr Phil Coop, Managing Director, automotive energy management systems company, Energetique said: ”We believe our vehicle, MaxEV, has a good chance in our class at the event. MaxEV sets us apart from the competition in combining our experience with integrating power-train, battery and grid technology with RLE’s proven track record in vehicle design and development”.
Paul Bridden, Head of Engineering, at energy and mobility consultancy firm, RLE International UK, added: “Tomorrow’s motorists want more information and reassurance from alternatively fuelled vehicles. They want to see and feel what is different. This is one of the principle reasons why this event is so important and our team is really excited to be part of this inaugural event”.
