Exhibiting at Fleet and Mobility Live at the Birmingham NEC, Hatcher are reaching out to small van owner/drivers and fleet managers for the launch of their new E-Van body concept.  The show is being held on the 8th and 9th October

With courier companies and owner-drivers under increasing pressure to cut emissions, last mile deliveries have largely been handed over to electric fleets.  The spectrum of vehicles is broad here, from electric assist pedal powered cargo vehicles, to standard panel vans, and more recently the coach built platform cab.

Drawing from their 5 decades of experience in the commercial vehicle sector, Suffolk based manufacturer, Hatcher Components Ltd, have devised a concept for the latest platform cab offerings of the Stellantis group and need your input.

Traditionally, these vehicles are coach built using aluminium panels which, even with ICEs,  substantially increases the overall weight and reduces the working payload.  With the latest electric drivetrains, this added weight means the range and effective payload can be even more significantly affected, subsequently reducing its overall usability and practicality as a delivery vehicle.

Hatcher are a FRP manufacturer of commercial vehicle aerodynamic kits and sleeper conversions and are presenting their solution to this “weighty” problem.  Using carefully selected materials and moulding methods, the extra body weight can be reduced by around 300kg providing an increased range of around 10-12%.  The effective payload can be increased up to 1400kg and overall cubic capacity up to 50%.  The cargo area will be 2500mm long and will be able to take 3 x standard EURO pallets on the deck.  The spare wheel will be moved and safely stowed above the cab.  As for the body itself, it will come complete with roller shutter and will offer 1900mm internal height meaning most will be able to comfortably stand and there will be the option to include fixings for racking and shelving.

The new e-Van body concept has been based on the new Vauxhall Vivaro e-Van platform cab, but can be adapted to suit other platform cabs from the Stellantis group.  Essentially, Hatcher are seeking expressions of interest from fleet operators during the final design phase including any specific requirements; given the potential financial, capacity and running benefits over aluminium construction.   Visit the team to share your ideas on Stand H8, or if you can’t make it – reach out to Hatcher on sales@hatchercomp.co.uk, or call 01728 723675 for a chat.