Fully electric Maxus eDeliver9 converted to welfare van in UK-first
A first-of-its-kind Maxus eDeliver9 welfare van has debuted in the UK market, combining fully electric motoring and standard welfare features.
Developed by VMS Fleet Management and Clarks Vehicle Conversions, the new vehicle will join VMS’s contract hire fleet to assist various clients.
Supplied by MAR Vehicle Solutions, the vehicle has been N2 type-approved under the GB National Approval scheme.
It can accommodate up to 7x100kg of people, plus an additional 250kg of weight, and includes welfare features such as a microwave, water boiler, dining table/desk, interior lighting and bathroom. The conversion also includes access points to vehicle and power elements, and a solar power set-up supporting a lithium welfare system – charging when the vehicle charges.
The vehicle on test has a WLTP range of 185 miles and a WLTP city mile range of 219 miles.
VMS said the new van was part of heavy investment in its EV fleet as the business supports customers in going electric. It also increases the bespoke conversions that VMS can offer.
Managing director Martin James said: “After months of working closely with our partners Clarks Vehicles Conversions, I am so proud to say that we can unveil the UK’s first Maxus eDeliver9 welfare van. Huge thanks to MAR Vehicle Solutions for helping us secure this vehicle so that we could transform it for our clients to utilise in the future.
“The Maxus eDeliver9 is an innovative, low-emission vehicle and converting this into a welfare van has extended its use across various sectors. We’re glad to be able to add this innovative vehicle to our contract hire fleet for customers from all different industries to enjoy in the future.”
David Chilvers, head of sales at Clarks Vehicle Conversions, added: “It’s been a real pleasure helping our longstanding customer VMS create this new-generation welfare van. We pride ourselves as a business on listening to our clients and coming up with a solution that meets their needs and that’s what we did with this particular conversion.
“The Maxus eDeliver9 is an ideal option for the EV welfare market and the advances we’ve made to the vehicle build show how the industry is changing and moving forward. Driving this van is an intuitive and tactile experience, we look forward to continue developing our offering to VMS and their customers in the future.”