DFSK electric panel vans for local conditions
The debate on the effectiveness and value of electric vehicles is ongoing. Technology is constantly improving and eventually, bottom-line numbers will motivate its employment in business.
A collaboration between GridCars and Enviro Automotive over a distance of 5 200km, proved that the battery driven DFSK panel van is ready and capable to perform local or last-mile deliveries.
GridCars manages more than 300 charging stations across the country and this trip took the DFSK van to 27 of these en route through the Western and Easter Cape to Durban.
“This was the first all-electric maintenance trip done by GridCars. While we understand the vehicle was designed for last-mile deliveries and knowing we were doing a safari, the vehicle exceeded our expectations. After doing the maintenance activities, it was really convenient to test the charger with a vehicle,” says Winstone Jordaan.
“The EC35 drew a crowd wherever it went and will certainly be a good package for anyone looking to start the transition to electric.”
Gideon Wolvaardt from Enviro Automotive says that the data collected from this trip is vital for future product planning, service support and warranty programmes.
“The test data will be shared with DFSK in China and is used to ensure the optimum performance for both the EC35 panel van and the EC31 one-tonne bakkie.”
“This trip gives us extra confidence about our DFSK battery-electric workhorses. The EC35 not only passed its last-mile delivery tests with flying colours but also impressed us with efficiencies shown on the open road at a fraction of the cost of petrol and diesel panel van competitors. Its excellent performance, ride comfort, cargo space and power consumption per 100km make it the ideal vehicle in the highly competitive delivery environment,” says Wolvaardt.
The EC35 offers a payload of 1 015kg and is fitted with ABS (anti-lock braking system) and electric power steering (EPS). It comes standard with air conditioning, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and a touchscreen infotainment system and believe it or not – a pedestrian warning system.
Power is provided by an electric motor producing 60kW and 200Nm kW. Charging the battery will cost R56.50 and provides a reach of 270km. If you do the math’s – operating costs are only 25 cents per kilometre.
For more information about Enviro Automotive, visit https://www.enviroauto.co.za/
Source: QuickPic
