LDV’s EV trial

LDV electric vans could soon be on Australian roads as part of a new 12-month trial.

The Chinese brand’s local importer, Ateco, is organising its new EV80 vans to be used by courier companies and possibly Australia Post.

“We are currently talking to a number of courier companies and a certain large postal organisation about the upcoming trial,” Ateco spokesman, Edward Rowe, told Drive.com.au.

“We see there is a definite market for urban delivery vehicles, particularly among courier companies that want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and see an opportunity to do that with EVs such as the EV80.”
The EV80 is essentially a battery-powered version of the existing large van, that has a range of 150-250km.

Ateco also a longer term goal with the trial, by trying to show that EVs are a valuable addition to Australia’s fleet.

“Our broader ambition is to engage with governments and showcase that electric vehicles have a place in Australia, and that the demand could grow with more involvement,” Rowe says.