LDV has partnered with Courtside Conversions to provide Nottingham Council with five wheelchair accessible electric vehicles, with a further 11 EVs in the pipeline.
Courtside Conversions is one of the first converters in the UK to offer a lightweight conversion on the new electric LDV EV80 and has been selected by Nottingham Council as the preferred supplier for a contract to supply the council with five electric minibuses.
LDV’s EV80 is fast becoming the van of choice for environmentally conscious drivers and business owners. With a range of models to choose from, the EV80 enables drivers to complete safe and efficient deliveries in congested urban areas.
The zero emissions range is an affordable and competitive choice for fleet owners looking to increase their green credentials while taking advantage of the van’s 118-mile range on a single charge.
Based in Tiverton, Devon Courtside Conversions Ltd have been specialising in the conversion of vans into minibuses for over 20 years. The company is the preferred converter for a wide variety of customers, including local authorities, community transport, education, charitable organisations and social services among others.
The EV80 features 8 seats plus the driver with the option to remove 8 seats to create space for 3 wheelchair passengers. Lightweight flooring and seating system have been installed to maximise payload. Courtside has designed a unique conversion using innovative methods to save weight while investing in conversions measures which do not significantly affect the 12v vehicle battery usage.
Mark Barrett, general manager LDV UK & Ireland said; “More and more fleet buyers are moving from fuel-dependent engines to hybrids and pure-electric models as companies move towards a greener business model. It’s great to see Nottingham Council make this investment as it is an investment in the future of the planet. We’re delighted they chose our EV80 as their preferred vehicle for this conversion.”
Emmie Roberts, Sales and Marketing Manager, Courtside Conversions commented, “Courtside’s new EV80 minibus will appeal to many companies and organisations that take environmental protection seriously. The electric minibus can actively contribute to an organisation’s efforts of becoming more socially responsible. It will also contribute to the commitments of government agencies to reduce carbon emissions both locally and nationally. The EV80 will be a serious contender for those looking to make a tangible, positive and visible impact on the environment in which we live and work.”
Andrew Smith from Nottingham Council added, “Nottingham City Council ran a tender in early 2019 to procure five EV Wheelchair accessible minibuses and the LDV EV80 LWB High Roof Panel van was identified as giving the best range and payload available on the market and ideal for this type of conversion.
“The five buses ordered are in addition to three already delivered from Courtside Conversions Ltd, which are in service and are delivering all that was required of them.
“The new minibuses are a welcome addition to our fleet, these vehicles are providing emission free transport for our high dependency Special Educational Needs (SEN) passengers.
“Another benefit to us is the significant saving on fuel and maintenance over the vehicles’ lifespan. The EV80 minibuses have already impressed our drivers with the smooth powerful delivery from the electric motor, which coupled with the automatic gearbox is delivering a smoother, quieter ride for their passengers and themselves along with making the job of negotiating busy urban areas easier.
To follow on from these exciting new vehicles we are currently having 11 more LDV EV80 3.5T Cage tippers built for our Street Scene Operation.”
LDV, which is owned by Chinese manufacturer SAIC Maxus, has become a leader in the electric commercial vehicle sector in the UK and Ireland, since launching the EV80, its flagship EV.
Distributed by the renowned Harris Group and supported by an extensive dealer network across the UK, LDV’s EV80 is available in a panel van and chassis cab. All
EV vehicles are covered by a five-year warranty or 60,000 miles and includes five years roadside assistance cover as standard.
And speaking of numbers, business owners who want to make the big switch can avail of LDV’s brilliant six-year finance offer and enjoy the benefits of greener motoring today.
