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Posts by Red Kite

FULLY ELECTRIC PEUGEOT 8 SEAT MINIBUS NOW READY TO ORDER

Peugeot Electric Minibuses
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Peugeot Electric E Traveller

Red Kite’s first all electric minibus is now ready to order. The new fully electric PEUGEOT e-Traveller is perfect for smaller group travel and adapts to your requirements thanks to its 2 lengths (Standard and Long). Its modular configuration can accommodate up to 8 people with 1,500 litres of boot volume; up to 5 people with 3,000 litres of boot volume; or 4,900 litres due to its removable seats in rows 2 and 3.

The all electric e-Traveller contains a high capacity high voltage 50kWh battery, ingeniously installed to maximise space in the passenger compartment and boot. It has a range of up to 148 miles WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedures), with zero CO2 emissions on the road in driving phase. The electric battery has an 8 year warranty or 100,000 miles for 70% of its charge capacity. The 100kW motor (136bhp) provides instant acceleration with its immediate engine torque of 260Nm in Power mode, as well as the pleasure of flexible, dynamic, and silent driving.

There’s a wealth of safety driving functions, which depending on your model choice includes Dead angle monitoring system; Automatic Sidelights activation; Speed and requirement sign recognition, Extended road sign recognition; Automatic emergency braking; Collision risk warning; Driver attention warning; Lane departure warning. Speed controller/limiter and Hill Start Assist.

RANGE AND CHARGING
Range and battery charge of the new PEUGEOT e-Traveller lets you travel up to 148 miles according to the WLTP certification protocol. The WLTP protocol gives users a more precise and realistic vision of range values according to actual use of the vehicle. You can fully charge the new e-Traveller quickly and safely from a dedicated charging point which takes approximately 7.5 hours (7.4 kW Single-phase) for a full charge. Government subsidies in the UK are available to support this. However the new e-Traveller can charge using a classic domestic plug in 24 hours for a complete charge. A cable must be purchased as an accessory to facilitate this activity. Alternatively you can obtain 80% of the vehicle charge in 30-45 minutes from a 100kW charging station – ideal for long or unexpected journeys. Rapid chargers can be found at most motorway service stations and are being progressively installed across the UK.

N.B. Battery life may vary with real driving conditions (weather, driving style, etc.). Specification detail provided by Peugeot and correct at time of print. For full specification and performance details please apply.

To book your demonstration call 01202 827678 or email sales@redkite-minibuses.com

ALL ELECTRIC FORD E-TRANSIT LAUNCH 12 NOVEMBER

Ford Electric Minibus
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Red Kite E Transit

Ford Motor Co., marking another step forward in its goal of electrifying its most iconic models, will reveal on 12 November, the all-new E-Transit, the fully battery-electric version of the best-selling Transit cargo van.

The E-Transit, as previously announced, will feature a variety of chassis options, including a cargo van, cutaway and chassis cab. It will be available in three roof heights and three body lengths.

In making Thursday’s Transit announcement, Ford noted its continued support of the Paris Agreement, which lays out a global framework for combating climate change.

“Even before COVID, that transition to e-commerce was beginning,” Mark Kaufman, Ford’s global director of electrification, told the press. “It’s really just further accelerated that trend that was already happening.”

Kaufman noted that cost is a top priority for fleet operators and other commercial customers: “We believe with Ford having the E-Transit launch, we’re building on a reputation of having reliability and trust with our fleet operators, but at the same time you’re getting an improved cost of ownership model over the life of the vehicle.”

VAUXHALL UNVEILS EV VERSION OF VIVARO LIFE

Vauxhall Electric Minibus
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Vauxhall’s flagship variant of the Vivaro Life passenger vehicle is the all-electric Vivaro-e Life.

The announcement follows the fully electric Vauxhall Vivaro-e earlier this year. The Vivaro-e Life MPV has space for nine passengers, while the 50kWh battery provides a range of up to 143 miles (WLTP). Seating nine, it uses the same 134bhp motor and 50kWh battery as its Citroën ë-Spacetourer and Peugeot e-Traveller siblings for a 143-mile range.

Available in two lengths, standard and long-wheelbase and with a maximum towing capacity of 1,000kg, the Vivaro-e Life also sports electric sliding doors, moveable leather seats and a panoramic glass roof.

New Peugeot e-Traveller Electric Eight Seat Minibus

Peugeot Electric Minibuses
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Available later this year the new all-electric e-Traveller will be one of a small number of eight- seat electric Minibuses on the market. The e-Traveller is mechanically identical e-Expert panel van, with the same front mounted electric motor as the Peugeot e-208. It puts out 134bhp and 192lb ft, enough for a 0-62mph time of 13.1sec and a top speed of 80mph.

Peugeot Electric Minibus

The 50kWh battery allows a range of up to 143 miles on the WLTP cycle. Two types of on-board charger are offered – a single-phase 7.4kW unit and an optional three-phase 11kW unit – but the e-Traveller can be charged at up to 100kW via a suitable public charger, allowing for an 80% charge in 30 minutes.

Like the standard Traveller, the e-Traveller can be specified in both long- and short-wheelbase forms: a 4.95m Standard model and a 5.3m Long version. Up to eight passengers can be carried, leaving 1500 litres of boot space, with that figure extending to 4900 litres when the rearmost two rows of seats are removed. The batteries underneath the floor do not impact on interior space, and the e-Expert’s 1000kg towing is preserved.

Specific styling changes for the e-Traveller, other than the obvious charging flap, include a specific grille and e-Traveller badging. Inside, the instruments, touchscreen and head-up display are all altered to show EV specific graphics and data.

Peugeot Electric Minibus

Three driving modes allow different power levels, with ‘Eco’ restricting the car to 80bhp and ‘Power’ allowing the full 134bhp. Adjustable regenerative braking also features.

Full specification and pricing are yet to be announced. To register your interest and be kept up to date with specification and pricing email sales@redkite-minibuses.com

NEW ELECTRIC PEUGEOT MINIBUS FOR 2021

Peugeot Electric Minibuses
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The arrival in 2021of the new Peugeot e-Expert, 9 seat electric minibuses will join the growing number of electrified commercial vehicles on sale — largely targeting cities where there is a greater need to cut emissions and pollution. While few technical details have been revealed, Peugeot’s owner the PSA Group has announced that the new model will be available with two different electric powertrains — one offering a range of 124 miles, and the other 186 miles, equivalent to in excess of 45,000 annual mileage. As a Peugeot Accredited Supplier, Red Kite will be working closely with Peugeot through 2020 ready for the arrival of the new electric minibus early next year. Xavier Peugeot, Senior Vice-President of Group PSA’s commercial vehicles, said: “The PSA Group is pushing ahead with the electrification of its LCV range by offering electric versions of compact vans for business and individual customers. “Without compromising on features, the range will help strengthen our leadership in this segment in Europe. In 2021, our entire range of LCVs and their passenger car equivalents will be electrified. PSA Group have also confirmed electric versions of the Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay and Vauxhall Vivaro minibuses will be available. No official launch date yet but industry sources indicate a starting price of around £60,000

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Government Reducing EV Workplace Charging Scheme Grant

Electric Vehicle Charging
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Electric Charge Point

If your organisation is looking to install electric vehicle charging points in the near future, act now and save money. This week the government announced that from the 1st of April 2020 the grant for workplace charging scheme (WCS) will be set at £350 towards a chargepoint socket at work through the WCS. This is a reduction from £500 to £350. The new rate will apply to installations on or after 1st April 2020 and will apply to voucher applications submitted on or after 1st April 2020 for WCS.

However they also announced a doubling of the number of sockets allowed under the WCS from 20 to 40. To date over 120,000 domestic chargepoint installations have benefited from HMG grants as well as over 6,500 workplace installations, across the UK. The announcement also said ‘Reducing the grant rate will enable more people to benefit from both schemes and provide better value for money for the taxpayer. These are still key government incentive schemes that will continue to support the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the UK. The average cost of chargepoint installations has steadily reduced since the introduction of the schemes, so the decrease is in line with this’

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Ford Confirms All Electric Transit

Ford Electric Minibus
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The best-selling cargo van in the world – Ford Transit – is going digital, with an all-electric version coming for the 2022 model year.

Ford has confirmed that an all-electric version of its hugely popular Transit van will hit the American and Canadian marketplace in 2022.

The reinvented Transit will be made in the US, most likely at a new purpose-built EV production facility in Michigan, and forms part of the company’s $11.5 billion (£9bn) global electrification strategy.

A preview sketch shows that, in panel van form, the new Transit will largely retain the silhouette of the current model, but – as is usually the case with electric versions of combustion vehicles – it will likely feature a blanked-off grille and bespoke lighting clusters.

Ford has revealed that, like the current Transit, the electric version will be available to buy in van, truck and cutaway cab forms. Buyers can also choose from three body length and roof height options.

It is not yet known precisely what will power the electric Transit, although it can be expected to share some hardware with the recently revealed Mach-E electric SUV. Ford has confirmed that the new Transit will offer enhanced connectivity functions over the current van, with a number of features aimed at reducing waste and improving fleet efficiency. In-built 4G functionality allows fleet managers to access live location and fault diagnostic data, as well as imposing virtual perimeters and monitoring driving behaviour.

The commercial vehicle will be sold as standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance programmes, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. It has not yet been confirmed when the electric Transit will be offered overseas, but it will likely arrive in Europe shortly after the upcoming plug-in hybrid variant.

Ford president Jim Farley said: “Commercial vehicles are a critical component to our big bet on electrification. As leaders in this space, we are accelerating our plans to create solutions that help businesses run better, starting with our all-electric Transit and F-150.

“This Ford Transit isn’t just about creating an electric drivetrain. It’s about designing and developing a digital product that propels fleets forward.”

Ford will reveal pricing and specifications for the electric Transit at a later date.

PURE ELECTRIC FORD TRANSIT MINIBUS SET TO ARRIVE BY 2021

Ford Electric Minibus
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Ford have revealed the new Transit Smart Energy Concept – a one-of-a-kind 10-seater minibus that is helping the company explore solutions for maximising the energy efficiency and driving range of future electrified vehicles.

 

Delivering 150 km (93 miles) driving range from a 4-hour charge, and developed by engineers at Ford’s Merkenich Technical Centre, Germany, the concept uses a Ford Transit chassis fitted with the same battery-electric drivetrain technology as the StreetScooter WORK XL, supported by energy-saving and energy-generating innovations.

With an expected arrival date of 2021, Ford anticipates further road-trials with the Transit Smart Energy Concept this year, after completing wind-tunnel tests. “By developing this concept we’ve found a number of clever ways to save energy that could help further improve the electrified vehicle experience for customers in the future,” said Kilian Vas, project leader, Vehicle Architecture, Ford of Europe.

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WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF WORKPLACE EV CHARGE POINTS?

Electric Vehicle Charging
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The two key costs of workplace EV charge points are the price of the unit and the installation fees. Based on a standard project, a fully installed Type 2 7kW double-header unit would typically cost around £1,500, after the WCS Grant – in this case worth £600 – has been applied.

Likewise, a 22kW double-headed post unit costs £2,500 – £5,000 (inc WCS Grant), while a fully installed rapid charge unit can cost up to £35,000. Once a suitable unit has been selected, the installer will be able to give a quote for the unit and installation costs. As with other business infrastructure projects, it is recommended that businesses obtain a few quotes.

TARGETED CHARGING POINT SCHEMES FOR SCOTLAND

Electric Vehicle Charging
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Workplace charge point funding is available to Scottish organisations through the Energy Saving Trust, though because of the high demand, the level of support on offer to organisations cannot be guaranteed.

Scottish Vehicle Charging

Applications are assessed on criteria including whether there is currently an EV fleet to support, if public access to the point(s) would be possible, and how many users the point is likely to have. This is then given a priority rating of High (100%), Medium (75%) or Low (50%), with funding allocated accordingly. Contact electricvehiclesscotland@est.org.uk

WCS Grant information courtesy of zap-map.com for full details visit www.zap-map.com