Tevva Motors’ prototype development vehicles have so far achieved a combined total distance of 27,000 miles, a landmark achievement for the next generation electric, range extended commercial vehicle.
The distance which is greater than the Earth’s equator has been covered in less than six months by three prototype vehicles built by the Essex-based technology pioneer.
Each vehicle has Tevva’s next-generation electric range extender powertrain, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, compared to an average 7.5 tonne diesel engine truck.
The innovative powertrain, which is now available to order, can be fitted on the production line during the build process or fitted as a retrofit package to an existing vehicle. Both solutions are being tested during the development process, with Tevva’s two test vehicles ‘JAC1’ and ‘JAC2’ based on the JAC N-Series chassis, and a retrofitted Mercedes-Benz Vario in daily operation with logistics giant UPS.
The drivetrain consists of a single 120kW electric motor, capable of producing 1800Nm from 0rpm, powered by 66kWh batteries located on the chassis. The drivetrain also has a 1.6-liter diesel ICE range extender unit to generate additional charge on the move.
The retrofit package provides operators the option to give existing vehicles an additional life while reducing emissions and running costs. Regardless of application, the electric range extender powertrain utilises Tevva’s patented Predictive Range Extender Management System (PREMS), which ensures the full potential of both fuel sources is exploited.
All three vehicles have been pushed to their limits and beyond at the Millbrook Proving Ground but have also been put through their paces on UK roads, travelling the length and breadth of the country, as well as in daily operations with UPS. Each has performed outstandingly over the last six months, with the reliability of the trio enabling a greater distance to be covered than expected. This also enabled the development team to really put PREMS to the test, developing the software as well as the powertrain technology.
The UPS vehicle also continues to impress, being driven and managed using the same methods and routines as the rest of the UPS delivery fleet.
“All three vehicles were built to be broken; that is how we find weaknesses and improve the design to be production-ready,” Asher Bennett, Tevva Motors CEO. “The fact all three vehicles continue to perform beyond expectation is testament to our design and the technology. It can and is used daily, in operations, effectively. I am extremely pleased and proud of our achievements, but this is only the start; our design will continue to deliver reduced costs and emissions, helping to save the planet the truck travels around every day.”