CV Show 2011 fulfilled those electric dreams
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By George Barrow
THIS YEAR’S CV Show was the best yet for electric vehicles, with several new products on display. Renault and Ford unveiled their new electric Kangoo and Transit Connect models, while a concept version of the Vito called the E-Cell was on display at the Mercedes-Benz stand.
Chinese manufacturer DFSK had a range of its mini vans with pick-up, chassis, tipper, cab and panel van bodies that are available as electric vehicles. And Indian manufacturer Tata exhibited an electric version of its best-selling Ace mini truck (pictured above). Powered by 10, 8-volt batteries and built in Coventry, the Ace EV can carry a maximum payload of 500kg for a minimum range of 30 miles, while highand low-drive modes mean the Ace can reach speeds of up to 25mph.
Manufacturers said that they welcomed the healthy amount of competition, believing the increased publicity generated by new vehicles from major manufacturers will beneit the EV industry.
Smith Electric MD Geoff Allison said: “It’s essential that we have competition as it creates awareness at the consumer level up to industrial level. We need to have EV adoption and people need to understand that they do work and that it isn’t a fad anymore.”
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