Innovation Automotive (IA), the UK’s first multi-brand, all-electric automotive company, will make its first UK appearance at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show.
IA’s introduction into the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market comes at a pivotal time for a sector that has been slow to adopt electric alternatives. SMMT data shows that, in June and July 2021, ‘Alternatively Fuelled Vehicle’ LCV sales accounted for just 3.86% and 2.68% of monthly sales respectively.
Paul Brigden, CEO of IA, said: “Many operators are still unsure of the business case for switching to electric, and perceptions remain that it is too risky, too complicated and too expensive. But change is coming and it’s coming fast so we’re here to help fleets of all sizes make the switch. Our commitment is to source the best alternative 100% electric LCVs, to provide a first-class advisory service to our customers with an accessible and cost-effective after-sales network.”
Brigden added: “We will officially launch later this year, but we’re at the CV show to introduce ourselves, our initial product range and, most importantly, to listen to our future customers to help fine-tune our service”.
The first vehicle that IA will bring to the UK market will be the all-electric DFSK EC35, a compact and efficient all-electric panel van ideal for inner-city and ‘last-mile’ delivery.
Despite its compact dimensions – 4500x1680x1985mm – the EC35 offers a Gross Vehicle Weight of 2,600kg, a maximum payload of 950kg and a load volume of 4.8m3.
Powering the DFSK EC35 is a 39kWh battery that delivers a range of over 150 miles and can be rapid echarged to 100% capacity in 90 minutes. The vehicle is also backed by a five-year warranty.
The DFSK EC35 will be followed by the EC31, an electric chassis cab van that combines impressive practicality and dependability with zero-emissions motoring. As with the EC35, the DFSK EC31 comes with a five-year warranty.
Innovation Automotive is set to officially launch in the UK later this year, with its first vehicles to go on sale in early 2022.