Watt Electric Vehicle Company’s (WEVCs) PACES platform to springboard UK production of next-generation electric commercial vehicles

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) have announced they plan to build up to 5,000 new electric commercial vehicles per annum under its own brand and on behalf of third-party manufacturers. The production, which will be based on the company’s new electric platform, will take place at a new facility in the Midlands.

Called Passenger and Commercial EV Skateboard (PACES), the platform features an innovative and highly flexible architecture. This allows the vehicle industry to meet the challenges of transitioning to an electric future by providing a sophisticated, yet cost-effective ‘off-the-shelf’ electric vehicle (EV) platform.

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Being highly customisable for different body styles, sizes and configurations, PACES can support any low-to-medium volume manufacturer, specialist vehicle converter or start-up. It also complies with ISO regulations and European Small Series Type Approval safety standards.

It uses a cell-to-chassis system, which means batteries are fitted directly to the primary structure rather than having a separate pack. This method optimises chassis stiffness and minimises weight fo added efficiency.

WEVC, which is supported by a leading UK-based EV technology supply chain, has undergone a comprehensive development process with PACES over the last two years. It is now market-ready and provides the basis for a whole new range of bespoke electric last-mile, vans, trucks and buses.

Production of WEVC’s PACES-based all-new electric commercial vehicles is scheduled to start in the Midlands in the third quarter of 2023. The company expects to have their first prototype electric commercial vehicle in spring 2022.

Neil Yates, WEVC founder and owner, said: “Our PACES architecture and manufacturing processes are flexible and scalable. It’s the first off-the-shelf product specifically targeted for the low-to-medium volume industry capable of supporting any type of EV.

“With ever-increasing pressure on urban emissions, coupled with the growth in home delivery, we have been approached by multiple commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators, who are in desperate need of developing the next generation of electric vans, trucks and buses.”

WEVC is also a manufacturer of premium sports electric vehicles. It produces its own Porsche 356-inspired Coupe at its bespoke facility in St Columb Major in Cornwall. It’s the first production car to use PACES and the sub-1,000kg rear wheel drive sports car combines retro looks with modern zero-emissions technology.

The Coupe is powered by a 40kWh battery that’s structurally integrated into the chassis and powers the mid-mounted 120kW electric motor. This makes it a nippy mover that will hit 0-62mph (0-100kph) in just over five seconds, yet still offers a practical range of up to 230 miles (370km).

WEVC are offering 21 launch edition Coupes that are available to order now. Prices will start from £81,250 with customer deliveries expected in early 2022.

Neil Yates, WEVC founder and owner, added: “Alongside the production of this new EV at our existing factory, WEVC will also establish another facility in Cornwall in 2023. The all-new facility will focus on the low-volume manufacturing of sports cars and passenger EVs, at volumes of around 150 units per year.

“Together with manufacturing in the Midlands of electric commercial vehicles, my vision is for Watt Electric Vehicle Company to lead the production of tomorrow’s low volume electric vehicles.”

Ian Osborne
Ian Osborne
Editor-in-Chief at ElectricDrives

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