Coleman Milne, the UK’s leading manufacturer of hearses and limousines, has unveiled its new, all-electric ceremonial range based on the popular Ford Mustang Mach-E platform.
The premium Etive range, named after the Etive River in the West Scottish Highlands, combines the latest in electric vehicle (EV) technology and Coleman Milne’s renowned standards of quality to produce the company’s first full-size, zero-emissions hearse and limousine pairing.
Both vehicles are offered to the UK and European markets in left and right-hand drive configurations and will be available for demonstration in the first half of 2023. Type approval for the model is set to be achieved by the end of the first quarter of this year.
Graham Clow, Coleman Milne national sales director, said: “We have long championed the electric hearse at Coleman Milne and we’re proud to welcome the Etive hearse and limousine as the latest additions to our range.
“The excellent, longstanding relationship that we have with Ford enabled us to model the range on its Mach-E platform.
“The Mach-E is the perfect base for a comfortable, quiet and respectful hearse and limousine, while also providing funeral directors with all the benefits and innovations found in today’s electric vehicles.”
Both the hearse and the limousine feature a 75kWh battery that is capable of delivering an estimated range of up to 200 miles (322km). Capable of a 10-80 per cent recharge time of 38 minutes, the vehicles boast rapid charging at speeds of up to 115kW.
The same Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) that are fitted to the Ford Mach-E are equipped to both vehicles within the range, such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Aid and Pre-Collision.
Ford’s SYNC Applink infotainment system allows drivers to project their favourite smartphone navigation apps to the 15.5” central touch screen, with a rear-view camera, keyless entry, under bonnet luggage compartment and 10.2” digital dashboard also fitted as standard.
The efficient, battery-electric Etive Hearse provides everything an operator would expect from a full-size hearse. This includes noiseless operation, a flat, full-length deck with ample space for personal tributes, three full-size bearer seats with lap and diagonal seatbelts, and a glass roof.
Operators can customise the hearse for their own requirements. Options include a power lift tailgate, a full-size sliding deck, illuminated signage and a slide-out under-draw deck to maximise accessibility. Mounted outside is an aerodynamic wreath rail with added roof protection.
The zero-emission Etive limousine has been built with passenger comfort at its core, incorporating an additional 114mm in overall vehicle height. Designed to carry seven passengers in addition to the driver, the vehicle is luxuriously appointed and is available with full privacy glass, and as an option, can include a middle door drop glass.
Coleman Milne’s expertise in ceremonial vehicle electrification saw it become the first converter to introduce mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric hearse and limousine models to market.
The Etive joins a model lin- up which includes a plug-in hybrid version of the Mercedes E-Class and the Whisper hearse, based on the Tesla Model S platform and engineered in collaboration with sister company, Binz International.
