The new VN5 from LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has achieved class-leading test scores in a recent evaluation by Thatcham Research.
After carrying out simulations for low-speed crash, autonomous emergency braking and anti-theft tests, VN5 was awarded an insurance group rating of 36. This result will deliver extremely competitive insurance policy premiums in the one-tonne van sector.
Joerg Hofmann, CEO of LEVC, commented: “We welcome the insurance test rating secured by VN5, which continues to gain recognition as a leader in its class since production began at the end of last year. It showcases the benefits of our high quality bonded aluminium monocoque and SMC panel construction and VN5’s high level of standard safety features.”
VN5 performed well in the low speed 15km/h crash test required by Thatcham Research thanks to the anodised aluminium body structure, which is capable of absorbing twice the crash energy of mild steel.
Thatcham also performs an assessment of the body panels post-crash to determine the cost of repair, which is a key contributing factor to the overall insurance rating score.
VN5 performed excellently thanks to its SMC (Sheet Moulded Composite) panels. This composite construction is more capable of withstanding low speed impacts compared to conventional steel thanks to its flexible yet durable properties.
Autonomous emergency braking assessment is a new addition to the Thatcham Insurance group rating tests and is a standard feature on VN5. Designed from the outset to offer the highest safety standards, passive and active systems work together to protect the vehicle’s occupants, improve road safety for all road users, and reduce the costs associated with high accident rates.
Other safety systems available on VN5 include Emergency Brake Assist and ABS, Front & Side Driver & Passenger airbags and optional curtain airbags.
Finally, the vehicle was subjected to the New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA). Here engineers used what they refer to as “commonly available tools”, such as screwdrivers or hammers, to destructively attack door and steering locks; probes and electrical leads to attack the immobiliser and other accessible electrical harnesses.
VN5 is built at LEVC’s State of the art manufacturing facility in Ansty, Coventry, the first in the UK to be dedicated solely to electric vehicle production. It is manufactured using strong, lightweight bonded aluminium monocoque & SMC construction. VN5 is designed to last twice as long as the competition and has a class-leading turning circle of just 10.1m for unrivalled mobility in busy city environments.
VN5 is a unique electric van which offers zero emissions capability without battery range anxiety. VN5’s eCity technology delivers a pure EV range of over 60 miles and a total flexible range of 304 miles (489 km), ideally suited to urban deliveries in zero emission mode, as well as longer journeys outside of town. The more frugal driver could achieve a 76-mile pure EV city range, according to WLTP city methodology.
For more information on LEVC, visit www.levc.com
About LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company)
LEVC’s history began in 1908 when the first dedicated black cab was specially designed and commissioned for use in London. With its unmistakable silhouette and classic design cues, this iconic British vehicle has defined the company for over a century. In 2018, LEVC introduced its latest taxi model, the electric TX. TX is world’s cleanest, most advanced taxi ever, powered by LEVC’s revolutionary eCity technology.
LEVC manufactures its purpose-built, range extended electric TX taxi and TX shuttle models at a state-of-the-art factory in Ansty, Coventry. Since 2014, Geely has invested more than £500m into LEVC, allowing it to build an entirely new eco-friendly manufacturing facility, the UK’s first dedicated to the production of electric vehicles.
In November 2020, LEVC started production of its first non-taxi model with the launch of VN5, a medium-sized electric van. Utilising the same eCity technology as TX, VN5 offers both zero-emission capability and zero range anxiety, a critical combination for commercial vehicle operators.
A new central European sales office in Frankfurt was established in 2019 to increase LEVC’s presence across Europe and further new markets such as Middle East, New Zealand and Australia will continue to increase the company’s export footprint. This strategy will see LEVC move from 90% domestic sales to 60% export in 2022.
