The only real use for electric vehicles that at this present time is cost-effective and maybe even profit-encouraging is that for short delivery routes in stop-start traffic and congested city centers. Here and in this application, a petrol- or diesel-engined vehicle would be far more inefficient, even with the latest downsized engines, hybrids and stop/start applied.
That’s why if the above makes sense to you, then perhaps you’d be interested in keeping an eye on this VW retro-inspired commercial vehicle that’s set to hit the US market in the second quarter of 2014. Called Kombi, and built by Cenntro Motors, its front fascia will immediately scream hippie bus, and this will be to some people’s liking, but others may completely disapprove of it.
The Kombi will have a top speed of 50 km/h or 31 mph and a maximum claimed range of 80 km or 50 miles; charge times will be in the six-hour range, despite the apparently small battery capacity of 6.8 kWh (a Renault Twizy, for instance, has a bigger 7 kWh battery pack).
Power is very low, rated at less than 17 hp, but with 368 lb-ft or 500 Nm, it will still pull weights of up to 800 lbs or ~370 kg.
Currently planned are two variations of the Kombi. One is called “Green Space” and features a flatbed on the back, while the other is taller and enclosed and called the “City.” Efficiency is rated at 240 MPGe equivalent for both.
By Andrei Nedelea
Story References: Cenntromotors via Gizmag
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