- Lunaz achieves five-star DVS rating for safety and sustainability in upcycled electric vehicles.
- Positioned for 1,100 UEVs annually by 2024, meeting demand from London boroughs.
- UEVs showcase advanced safety tech, environmental sustainability, and 25% cost savings over traditional equivalents.
Five-star DVS recognition for Lunaz upcycled electric vehicles accelerates growth in London
Lunaz, an innovative player in the upcycled electric vehicle (UEV) sector, has earned a coveted five-star rating in the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). This recognition is substantial for Lunaz. It boosts the company’s position as it aims to produce 1,100 UEVs annually by 2024.
Responding to the increasing demands from London borough councils, Lunaz commits to safety and sustainability in its UEVs. The DVS rating serves as a testament to the visibility offered by Lunaz’s upcycled refuse trucks.
Under Transport for London (TfL) regulations, HGV operators boasting a five-star rating can secure permits without the need for supplementary evidence. However, come 28th October 2024, HGVs rated zero to two stars will necessitate retrofitting with a Progressive Safe System. The five-star accolade grants Lunaz UEVs a smooth passage into London’s service, exempt from additional documentation or modifications.
David Lorenz, Founder, Lunaz, commented:
“From the outset, we’ve built our upcycled electric refuse trucks to meet the DVS five-star standard for driver visibility – the highest available. This accreditation enables operators to obtain an HGV permit from London boroughs without any further documentary evidence or vehicle modifications. It’s also in line with [London] Mayor Sadiq Khan’s pledge to eliminate road deaths in London by 2041.
Having our UEVs fully prepared for operation in the capital is an import step towards widespread adoption. They’re cheaper and better-equipped than their all-new electric equivalents, representing greater value for money for local taxpayers, alongside the environmental benefits of our clean-air technology and upcycling process. It also means we’re heading into 2024 in a strong position to continue our journey towards a projected production capacity of 1,100 vehicles a year.”
Safety is paramount in Lunaz’s design ethos
Each upcycled electric refuse truck featuring state-of-the-art technologies. An external camera monitoring system, with three strategically placed cameras, eradicates blind spots. Digitised wing mirrors enhance visibility under various conditions, including adverse weather and darkness. Complementing this, a downward-facing camera allows the driver to monitor the area directly in front and below the vehicle. An object detection system adds an extra layer of safety, instantly identifying potential hazards and alerting the driver through the dashboard display.
Beyond safety considerations, the upcycling process prevents unnecessary landfill waste and significantly reduces the lifetime environmental impact of commercial fleets. The restoration and conversion processes are designed to capture over 80% of embedded carbon. That means UEVs are a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to all-new electric counterparts.
Financially, Lunaz UEVs offer a 25% lifetime capital saving over their as-new equivalents, providing a compelling proposition for local authorities, business operators, and taxpayers. This fiscal advantage makes the transition to zero-emission vehicles more viable. Lunaz’s UEVs match the Total Cost of Ownership of traditional diesel refuse trucks over a seven-year life cycle.
Lunaz’s growth trajectory aligns with the broader surge in the upcycling and electrification sector. A niche which is projected to expand tenfold in the next five years. Lunaz anticipates a significant increase in staff, from five to 350 employees by the end of 2024.
