UK Based TEVVA Motors develops next generation of zero emission trucks on home soil.

• Tevva Motors has designed and developed electric range extended truck
• Three vehicles are already operational, one in service with major logistics  operator UPS
• Vehicles to enter full scale production within the next three years
• Solution can be fitted to an existing vehicle for second life applications or to new vehicle during the build process on the production line

Tevva Motors has developed a new environmentally friendly, low emission solution for back-to-base fleets. Currently being tested on UK roads with three separate vehicles – one of which is in daily use with logistics operator UPS – the electric range extended drivetrain has the ability to reduce and avoid producing emissions completely thanks to Tevva’s intelligent predictive software.

Tevva Motors has developed an electric range extender powertrain which can be fitted into an existing 7.5 tonne truck, either as a retrofit package or on the production line during the build process.

The drivetrain consists of a single 120kW electric motor, capable of producing 1800Nm (1325 lb ft) from zero rpm, powered by 66kWh batteries located on the chassis. The drivetrain also has a range extender unit, which uses a small capacity diesel engine to generate additional charge whilst on the move.

The complete drivetrain is controlled by Tevva’s patent pending Predictive Range Extender Management System (PREMS). Breaking new ground, the system enables the best, most efficient use of electric range extended drivetrain without input from the driver.

With real time access to NOx and air quality data and GPS navigation, the vehicle knows when to use the range extender, such as during high discharge situations on motorways, and when to avoid use, such as urban or poor air quality areas like towns and cities. This enables pure electric propulsion, delivering zero emissions where it matters most. Tevva’s technology ensures the range extender is only used in areas that are less critical, and ensures maximum use of battery charge is made on every journey.

Asher Bennett, Tevva Motors CEO, commented: “Our technology and design offers all of the benefits of an electric vehicle, meeting the environmental needs of modern legislation and social acceptance, without the drawbacks of limited range.

“Tevva’s electric range extender technology removes the operational risk created by pure electric vehicles, allowing unlimited operational range, but typically spending the majority of a day’s operations on electric only. Our proprietary technology enables smart use of the range extender; fleets get the maximum use from the battery power, delivering full low emission benefits and cost savings.”

Made up of a team of automotive and electric vehicle specialists, Tevva Motors passionately believes in creating an environmentally friendly, business-credible solution for fleet managers. Tevva is working to deliver a solution that supports operations, yet is economical, offering a lower total cost of ownership over a vehicle’s lifetime with much lower emissions than a traditional diesel engine vehicle.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle chassis:

Current vehicles are based on a 7.5 tonne N2 flatbed chassis, box body truck

Performance:

Maximum speed: electronically limited to 50mph (80kph)
Maximum torque: 1800Nm (1325 lb ft) from 0 rpm

Range:

Electric-only range: 100 miles (160km) (Nominal) with PREMS technology
Combined range: (RE & EV): 250 miles (400km) w/ 40l fuel tank* | 370 miles (600km) w/ 75l fuel tank*

*Range is dependent on vehicle use, load and duty cycle

Motor, Range Extender and Battery details:

Electric motor output: 120kW (161hp)
Traction battery pack capacity: 66kWh, 104 200Ah cells in series
Traction battery pack voltage: 350 Volts
Battery pack life: 7-10 years (2000 cycles)
Range Extender (RE): 1.6L Diesel Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
RE ICE generator output: 74kW (100hp)
RE fuel tank capacity: 40l or 75l (with fast fill nozzle)
Vehicle battery: 24 Volts (Nominal)
Brakes: Regenerative braking system additional to standard vehicle brakes
Charge time: Maximum three hours using 3 phase 32 amp supply (required)

Emissions:

Zero greenhouse gas, including Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) and fluorinated gases and zero Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions when running on electric only.

For the typical user, GHG emissions from the Range Extender (RE) are 80% lower** compared to an average diesel engine 7.5t truck. NOx emissions are reduced by more than 50%* compared to a Euro6 approved 7.5t truck.

Emissions are minimised through selective use of the ICE RE, which only operates for the minimum duration to enable the vehicle to make full use of battery pack.

**Based on predictive models.