UK-based e-mobility start-up OX Delivers has received a £1.2m funding grant from Innovate UK programme Energy Catalyst to help produce its electric OX4 truck.
The OX4 truck features design updates such as improved driving position and greater operator visibility as well as chassis improvements.
OX Delivers has also developed a proprietary vehicle control unit enabling the creation of advanced software for more efficient control of an electric powertrain.
Currently, OX Delivers offers a transport-as-a-service business model operating on a kilogramme-per-kilometre basis.
READ MORE: Why electric trucks are our best bet to cut road transport emissions
The funding grant will also help the company to develop sustainable infrastructure in Rwanda, a key aim for OX Delivers to provide access to rural communities in the so-called global south, which, according to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, broadly comprises Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and certain countries in Asia, and Oceania.
According to company estimates, OX Delivers can transport goods for less than £1 in Rwanda, a number that it is looking to decrease with the deployment of the OX4.
Simon Davis, founder and CEO of OX Delivers, said: “We are delighted to not only receive funding from Energy Catalyst but also have the OX Delivers transport-as-a-service model validated as part of the solution required to deliver clean energy, advance economic growth and transform lives in the global south.”
“We will leverage this grant to demonstrate the benefits of a low-carbon energy ‘chargepoint’ infrastructure and provide rural communities with affordable transport.
“This will support the electrification of two of our current depots to create flagship projects that will further strengthen the OX Delivers business case.”
The UK company currently services 4,000 customers, including smallholder farmers and traders, with 80% of orders coming from repeat customers.
Achievements and innovations in EV charging will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations officially open in March 2024. Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
