Chinese-owned British van manufacturer LDV and Courtside Conversions have partnered to supply Nottingham City Council with five wheelchair-accessible electric minibuses.
Nottingham City Council ran a tender in early 2019 to procure five EV wheelchair-accessible minibuses and the LDV EV80 LWB High Roof Panel van was identified as giving the best range and payload.
With a zero-emission range of 118 miles on a single charge, the LDV EV80 is being aimed at fleet owners looking to complete safe and efficient deliveries in congested urban areas.
The LDV EV80 features eight seats plus the driver with the option to remove these seats to create space for three wheelchair passengers.
Lightweight flooring and seating have been installed to maximise payload.
According to Courtside – one of the first converters in the UK to offer a lightweight conversion on the new electric LDV EV8 – it has invested in conversions measures that do not significantly affect usage of the vehicle’s 12V battery.
The five buses ordered are in addition to three already delivered from Courtside Conversions, which are in service.
Andrew Smith, assistant manager, Nottingham Council, said: “The new minibuses are a welcome addition to our fleet, these vehicles are providing emission-free transport for our high dependency Special Educational Needs passengers.
“Another benefit to us is the significant saving on fuel and maintenance over the vehicles’ lifespan.
“The EV80 minibuses have already impressed our drivers with the smooth powerful delivery from the electric motor, which coupled with the automatic gearbox is delivering a smoother, quieter ride for their passengers and themselves along with making the job of negotiating busy urban areas easier.”
A further 11 LDV EV80 3.5T Cage tippers are also being built for the council’s Street Scene Operation.
