The companies Ennovation Technology and Autobox Innovation are working on a Polish electric van. Later in 2023, it will be approved for homologation processes, which is the final stage before the start of series production. The project is being carried out within the framework of the “e-Van” competition, announced by the National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR), aimed at selecting the best proposals for creating a universal electric delivery vehicle.
The project will be led by Polish companies with extensive experience in the industry
Both Ennovation Technology and Autobox Innovation are companies that boast experience backed by success in the automotive industry. Ennovation Technology is a technology startup with a wide range of services aimed at the electromobility industry – it supplies full powertrains for electric vans and trucks, and is responsible for integrating individual components. The company also converts internal combustion cars to electric ones, produces lithium-ion batteries or charging stations. Among its completed projects, it is worth mentioning its participation in the design of the Taero hybrid military landing carrier, for which Ennovation Technology supplied the traction battery, electric motor and vehicle controller. The company also boasts work on the eSWT electric transport vehicle, used in mines.
Autobox Innovation, in turn, specializes in truck bodies, supplying cars for the military or fire departments. The experience of both teams has resulted in the creation of three prototypes of an electric delivery truck, which now face the final pre-production stage – approval.
Polish e-Van – technical data
The car is equipped with a 120 kWh battery, which translates into a range of 325 km. The maximum DC charging power is 120 kW and is supported by the universal CCS standard. The lithium-ion battery and its management system are the work of engineers from Ennovation Technology. The company also handled full approval of the battery system.
In the basic configuration, drive is transmitted to the front or rear wheels, and nominal power is 70 kW (95 hp). The more powerful variant has dual-motor drive to both axles, with an output of 140 kW (190 hp). In both cases, power can be temporarily doubled to 140 and 280 kW (190 and 380 hp), respectively, in case of increased load.
The suspension was built in an independent system with additional airbags at the front and rear axles – such a solution increases driving comfort and makes it possible to adjust the height of the car’s ground clearance. The car’s payload capacity is more than a ton, and it has been prepared for homologation with a permissible total weight of 3.5 tons. Plans also include approval with a GVW of 4.25 tons. This is in line with the latest regulations, which, in the case of electric cars, entitle drivers with a category B license to drive vehicles with an increased GVW. Such transport capabilities mean that the vehicle can carry a load such as a pallet of paving stones, bags of cement or more than 3,000 beverage cans.
The E-Van includes an e-PTO system on board, which makes it possible to power specialized auxiliary equipment mounted on the vehicle without the need for a separate generator. What’s more, the vehicle also allows you to charge another electric car, treating the traction battery as a mobile energy store.
The cabin accommodates two separate seats offering 3 seats, and there is no shortage of modern technological solutions inside. A centrally located 10-inch screen manages multimedia, displays 360-degree camera images and supports Android Auto. The driver also has a virtual instrument cluster, communicating key driving data and vehicle information.
What are the plans for the future?
Once the car has gone through the approval process, it will be ready to go into small-batch production. Customers who are interested in buying the vehicle include both state-owned and private companies. We are talking, for example, about energy operators, courier, logistics or manufacturing companies. The modular design with various body types allows the vehicle to be tailored to individual customer needs and requirements, and to varying conditions of use. The availability of four-wheel drive is also an added advantage.
Customers appreciate the benefits of an electric van. Several times fewer mechanical parts compared to combustion-powered counterparts result in trouble-free operation, more efficient servicing and maintenance, and thus ensure cheaper vehicle maintenance and continued business use. An increasing number of companies also have their own renewable energy installations, which further benefits the economic aspects of operating an electric car.
Maximum annual production of the e-Van has been set at 1,500 units, and the first cars will be delivered to customers as early as 2024. Relying on local suppliers and parts manufacturers is expected to ensure continuous and efficient production, shortening supply chains, while stimulating the Polish automotive industry.
Customers from a wide range of industries are interested in our vehicle, which fits into a market niche, and they appreciate the customization options and local service. At the moment, our focus is on getting our e-Van approved and reaching as wide a customer base as possible. Our ambitions by no means end with this project, and we are ready to implement more. Electrification is not bypassing commercial vehicles and trucks. In addition, countries in the Union already have subsidy programs for new trucks, as well as for the conversion of used cars – we have an offer for this type of project. Such changes are an opportunity for companies like ours to gain an established position in the market right from the start – comments Mateusz Wach, CEO of Ennovation Technology.