LEVC has partnered with Europcar in a deal that sees 100 of its hybrid-electric vans, the VN5, available to rent from locations throughout the UK.

Driven by an electric motor, the VN5 is backed up by a petrol-powered range extender, offering van users the best of both worlds – emissions-free electric motoring, with the elimination of range anxiety.

The new strategic fleet deal with Europcar will give those keen to make the transition the opportunity to see how a state-of-the-art electric van can fit into their working lives, without committing to a purchase.

VN5, with its eCity range extender technology, will also be pivotal in supporting Europcar’s commitments to reducing the environmental impact of its fleets via the company’s ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme. With a focus on Clean Air Zones in UK cities, LEVC’s VN5 range-anxiety free, state-of-the-art platform is set to help cities across the country meet air quality targets.

LEVC VN5 electric van charging at Europcar

Joerg Hofmann, LEVC CEO, said: ”I am delighted we have signed this agreement with Europcar, which will enable many businesses to try our innovative new electric van before they buy. LEVC and Europcar share a common goal to advance the accessibility of sustainable transport, and I am confident that business will see that VN5 is the ideal green mobility solution, offering zero-emission capability with no range anxiety.”

Ron Santiago, Managing Director, Europcar Mobility Group UK, added: “The addition of the VN5 addresses an urgent need amongst commercial vehicle users. Research conducted in 2021 found that 89% of businesses expect a quarter or more of their fleet to enter a Clean Air Zone more than once a week. Yet there is a clear gap in availability of electric vehicles, as well as cost barriers for outright purchase. There is also concern that electrified vans may not be able to meet the high-pressure demands of businesses, with uncertainty about the range they can offer.

“Bringing the VN5 on to the Europcar Vans & Trucks fleet addresses these concerns on several levels. Available as part of our long-term rental solutions, it means businesses have the flexibility to ‘try before they buy’, without having to commit to lease or outright purchase, giving them the chance to really understand how electric will work for them and their drivers. Long-term rental of the VN5 also provides important financial flexibility while the UK economy remains uncertain. Plus, crucially, the VN5 gives customers a compliant solution eliminating the need to factor in additional costs for entering Clean Air Zones.”

Designed and Built in Britain

Designed, engineered and built at LEVC’s state of the art electric vehicle factory near Coventry, VN5 utilises the same strong, lightweight bonded aluminium monocoque and SMC construction as the TX taxi – a first in the 1-tonne van segment, designed to last twice as long as the competition.

VN5 is based on the same innovative architecture and proven eCity technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi. With a pure EV range of over 60 miles and a total flexible range of 304 miles, VN5 is ideally suited to urban deliveries in zero-emission mode, as well as longer journeys outside of town. The more frugal driver could achieve a 76-mile pure EV city range, according to WLTP city methodology.

With up to 5.5m3 capacity, VN5 cargo capacity easily accommodates two Euro sized pallets and offers a gross payload of up to 830kg. It has been built with a large side-loading door (enabling a pallet to be side-loaded) and a 60/40 split door at the rear to make loading and unloading easy for the driver.

The VN5 is available from the following Europcar Vans & Trucks locations:

  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Cardiff
  • Gateshead
  • Glasgow
  • Heathrow Skyport
  • Leeds
  • Manchester Trafford Park
  • Purfleet
  • Sheffield
Phil Huff
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