SWITCH Mobility, a key player in sustainable transport and part of the Hinduja Group, has unveiled the IeV8, a cutting-edge electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) concept designed to meet the growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly logistics solutions. With a payload capacity of up to four tonne and modular configurations, the IeV8 aims to set new benchmarks in operational performance and sustainability.
Modular Design For Versatile Applications
The IeV8 offers a versatile platform with 4-tyre and 6-tyre configurations, catering to intercity and intracity operations. Featuring modular and scalable battery options of 70 kWh and 140 kWh, the vehicle provides a range of up to 250 kilometres. It also supports container sizes of 14 and 17 feet, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including white goods delivery, mid-mile logistics, and even refrigerated transport.
Sharing his insights on the vehicle, Mahesh Babu, CEO of SWITCH Mobility, told Mobility Outlook: “We’ve spent over a year engaging with customers to understand their needs. The IeV8 is a result of those conversations. With payload capacities ranging from 1.2 tonne to 4 tonne, the vehicle targets a wide segment of the logistics market. It’s designed to enhance productivity with fast-charging capabilities and a low centre of gravity for improved safety and performance. This concept is just the beginning, with a timeline of 12 to 15 months for a market-ready product.”
Innovation In Safety & Performance
A standout feature of the IeV8 is its low-mounted battery pack, which improves the vehicle’s centre of gravity, enabling taller body structures for high-volume, low-weight cargo. This design ensures stability and adaptability for applications like refrigerated transport, milk, water or even fuel distribution, and other specialised needs.
SWITCH Mobility’s expertise with electric buses and smaller commercial vehicles has influenced the IeV8’s design. By incorporating rigorous testing, validation, and a robust service network, the company aims to ensure maximum vehicle uptime. Mahesh Babu highlighted, “We maintain a 95% same-day repair rate, ensuring minimal downtime for fleet operators. This commitment to uptime will extend to the IeV8, providing higher reliability.”
Target Market, B2B Focus
The IeV8 is positioned to serve the burgeoning e-commerce sector, with potential clients like Amazon, Flipkart, and major white goods distributors. The vehicle also addresses the needs of the company’s existing customers, including fleet operators like MoEVing, BillionE, and Magenta, who have expressed demand for a vehicle in this payload segment.
While initially focused on the Indian B2B market, the IeV8 holds significant export potential. Its payload capacity and design make it an ideal solution for intracity logistics in Europe and Southeast Asia, where sustainability is a growing priority, he pointed out.
Future-Ready Sustainability
The company has ensured that the IeV8 aligns with customer expectations for design, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency. The price will be revealed at launch, but it is expected to align with the segment's price range of INR 25 lakh to INR 35 lakh. “The IeV8 will positioned as a value-driven solution for businesses aiming to transition to sustainable logistics,” he said.
The company’s holistic approach includes partnering with fleet operators, leveraging existing relationships, and aligning with global trends to create a product that meets both current and future logistics needs.
A Milestone In Electric Logistics
The IeV8 concept represents a leap forward in SWITCH Mobility’s vision of delivering sustainable and innovative transport solutions. From its modular design to its commitment to customer satisfaction, the IeV8 is designed to redefine the logistics landscape, enabling businesses to meet their sustainability goals without compromising on performance or reliability, Mahesh Babu summed up.
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