Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has begun a collaboration with an aluminium and energy company to drastically reduce production emissions of its new electric light van.
Working in the UK with Norwegian industrial company, Hydro, WEVC will explore the use of certified recycled and low-carbon aluminium to produce bespoke patented extrusions for its eCV1 electric light commercial vehicle, which minimise carbon footprint and ensure responsible production.
Hydro’s low-carbon aluminium carries a CO2 footprint of 4.0 kg CO2 per tonne – versus a world average of 16.7kg – due in part to the renewable energy used in the production process.
The two companies will also evaluate using recycled aluminium with a lower carbon footprint in UK-manufactured automotive structures for the first time.
Overall, WEVC aims to cut embedded carbon in production of its eCV1 electric light commercial vehicle by significantly more than 50% compared to other electric LCVs.
The eCV1 prototype has a kerbweight from just 1750kg, and the company is looking to produce 5000 vehicles per annum, in the 3.5t and 4.25t segments.
Real-world testing started earlier this year as the engineering programme builds towards full design verification test sign-off and start of production in 2025.
Neil Yates, CEO of WEVC said: “In Hydro we have the perfect partner who can deliver very high-quality ‘greener’ aluminium products, which bring a significant reduction in embedded carbon.
“Forming a development partnership with Hydro allows us to together make sure the new alloys have all the right strength and durability attributes and the lowest possible manufacturing emissions while considering the entire supply chain.
Paul Warton, EVP Hydro Extrusions said: “In WEVC we have a partner who has sustainability embedded into its design philosophy.
“By selecting recycled, low-carbon aluminium for the eCV1, WEVC will reduce vehicle mass, while increasing the durability and payload in this vehicle.”
