Zero emission truck company announces £2.74m development projects

Tevva Motors Ltd, recognised by the Essex Innovation Programme as one of the fastest growing and most innovative companies in the county, has underlined its position at the cutting edge of zero-emission truck technology with the announcement of three innovation development projects to be run in partnership with lead customers UPS, Kuehne+Nagel and DHL. These projects will include four major updates to Tevva’s already highly successful 7.5 tonne electric truck, to be incorporated in a range of trucks all to be delivered by the end of 2017. These updates include…

• A new universal battery cassette which will deliver reduced manufacturing costs
• A new, high density switched reluctance electric drive motor which will cost less to manufacture and be easier to re-cycle at the end of their life
• Integration of refrigeration technology enabling the transport of refrigerated goods
• Extending the weight range to a 14 tonne Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) chassis

Bringing a new manufacturing base and supply chain to Essex

Tevva have shown fast expansion from their base in Chelmsford increasing productivity by 100% in the last three years. The new development projects will create 20 new highly skilled jobs and the company plan to employ another 50 employees in the next few years. This will enable Tevva to build up to 10 trucks at a time and in excess of 300 trucks per year.

The company’s Range Extended Electric Truck is the first commercially available in the UK and incorporates ground-breaking technology that can reduce urban emission from freight by up to 100%. This technology will have a significant environmental impact and put Tevva at the forefront of manufacturing low emission commercial vehicles.

Recognition for innovation

Tevva has developed the only zero-emission capable truck that can be used as if it were a regular diesel truck. The development projects to update Tevva’s 7.5 tonne truck are part-funded by the Department for Transport’s “Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial”. Tevva was announced as one of the winners, with funding to be delivered by OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles) and Innovate UK.

“It is fantastic that Tevva Motors Ltd is willing to explore low and zero emission technologies, which will help improve air quality and reduce pollution in towns and cities.”

John Hayes, Transport Minister, Department for Transport

“Range extended electric trucks are easier to use and ACHIEVE greater cost savings.  It’s gratifying to see that both government and fleet operators are buying in to this approach – and these announcements confirm Tevva’s position at the forefront of this technology.”

Asher Bennett , CEO, Tevva Motors

In 2016 Tevva Motors won the “Award for Low Carbon Innovation by an SME” from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LCVP) to become one of an elite group of industry recognised “Low Carbon Champions 2016”.

“A highly practical product, which could significantly reduce emissions for both existing and new vehicles.”

Judges, Low Carbon Vehicle Event

Working with the Essex Innovation Programme

Tevva Motors have been identified as one of the fastest growing and most innovative companies in Essex in the Innovation 50 initiative. The joint initiative between the Essex Innovation Programme (EIP) and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) supports business growth in Essex. Companies will be offered specialist business support and advice from EIP to help them continue to grow and academic expertise provided by ARU’s business school.

See here for more information on the Essex Innovation Programme.

See here for more information on Tevva Motors.