The Oxford-based sustainable zero-emissions transport manufacturer - Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV) has uncovered LINCS, a modular multipurpose lightweight vehicle designed to provide urban light commercial van capability linked to EAV's e-Cargo 2Cubed and RoRo applications.
According to EAV, LINCS has been designed from the ground-up in association with Saietta Group, whose new in-hub electric motors will power a lightweight skateboard platform it developed. Powered by Li-ion batteries, the LINCS platform will become the basis of the new modular vehicle, the company statement said.
Adam Barmby, CEO and Founder, EAV, said the company wanted to produce a multipurpose light commercial vehicle as a logistics platform to transform the way people and goods are transported around the environment. LINCS acts as a fully dynamic 'hub-and-spoke' mobile depot vehicle in its logistics role, delivering EAVRoRo boxes to EAV eCargo fleets in various dynamic, optimised locations as forecourts or car parks. This significantly reduces stem distances and increases operational efficiency within the last mile, he said.
Moreover, the platform will operate as a simple covered urban van or open pick-up or drop side. He added that the uniqueness of the design and engineering in its versatility, packaging, light weight, strength, and understanding of current and future urban cargo operations.
Built on an aluminium skateboard chassis platform, LINCS's chassis holds a standard removable, interchangeable Li-ion battery pack providing a range of up to 100 miles within an urban or intra-urban environment. The driver's cab is located either on the left or right-hand side of the LINCS, depending on the market, and is equipped with 'EAVAdvancedÔ' driving controls and in-cab systems. In addition, the moving platform has been designed and futureproofed for fully autonomous operations, which will be developed in association with the company's technology partners.
The platform also features a 'Road train' capability where multiple LINCS can be linked together into a single autonomous vehicle on inter-urban or urban deployments.
The LINCS platform has all-recyclable composite bodywork matching the current materials used on the EAV2Cubed and forthcoming EAVRoRo and EAVGo! vehicles.
The company is currently looking at using this material for the chassis platform in conjunction with fully recyclable aluminium.