reducing carbon footprint of vehicles where evs are not suitable

Reducing carbon footprint where EV’s are still not available

As a manufacturer of a wide range of specialist bespoke vehicles that includes projects as diverse as mobile veterinary surgery van conversions and chassis cab based sampling vehicles we are noticing the increase in the proportion of our clients enquiring about the suitability of electric vehicles. And we expect this trend to increase as time passes, with the traditional diesel engine eventually becoming a feature of the past.

As we we are dedicated to reducing our own carbon footprint through our own judicious use of energy and sourcing as many of our raw materials and components as locally as we can we empathise with the aims of these clients. So it will come as no surprise that we would like to encourage them to change over to electric or hybrid vehicles wherever this is practical.

With the ever increasing number of these vehicles available from brands including VW, Ford, Mercedes, Nissan and Renault to name but a few, one would think a changeover in the van market is reasonably obvious and something to be done immediately. That said we are finding at the moment that most of these small and medium sized vans are being built primarily with the “so called” last mile delivery service in mind with load volume a priority over load capacity. The result being that initial price, practicality and travel distance are not yet making the change over to EV immediately attractive to our client base, who travel quite lengthy distances in a day and very often have fully fitted out interiors that require a vehicle with a sizable load weight.

But things will surely change as more and more EV vans reach the market. And for us at MVTech this cannot come soon enough and something we are keeping a sharp on.

For our larger chassis cab conversions, such as our exhibition, catering and sampling vehicles https://www.multivehicletechnology.co.uk/products/exhibition-trailers-and-vehicles/ or our cash in transit builds https://www.multivehicletechnology.co.uk/products/van-conversions/cash-in-transit-and-security/ diesel power is still the go to power source which provides the best combination of efficiency and performance in most situations.

Until this situation changes we do nevertheless have something to offer the cost conscious client who wishes to minimise their carbon footprint through reduced fuel consumption, whilst very conveniently also reducing their operating costs! This is achieved through the use of aerodynamic devices more commonly known as air management kits. For a 3500 kgs chassis cab with box style body these will normally consist of a cab deflector and side wings with side skirts too adding to the efficiency improvement, not to mention improving the overall appearance of the vehicle. The latter being especially important for exhibition, catering and sampling vehicles.

These styling kits reduce fuel consumption by reducing, drivetrain friction, tyre rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. So these drag reduction devices do save engine power, and therefore fuel, whilst incidentally giving the vehicle a steadier drive.

For more technical information and a guide to the styles and types of aerodynamic additions available the technically minded may wish to visit www.aerodyneuk.com where you will find more detailed information.

In the meantime we look forward to the day when most of our clients can purchase electric vehicles suitable for all of their specialist needs.