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3 minute read

Watt EV Company to establish new UK production sites

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has announced plans to build up to 5,000 electric commercial vehicles per annum under its own brand and on behalf of third-party manufacturers at an all-new facility in the Midlands, all of which will be based on its new state-of-the-art EV platform.

Called PACES (Passenger and Commercial EV Skateboard), the highly flexible architecture can help meet the considerable challenges of transitioning to an electric future by providing a sophisticated, yet cost-effective EV platform “off-the-shelf”.

Highly customisable for different body styles, sizes and configurations, PACES can support any low-to-medium volume manufacturer, specialist vehicle converter or start-up, and complies with ISO regulations and European Small Series Type Approval safety standards. Its cell-to-chassis system means batteries are fitted directly to the primary structure (rather than having a separate pack), optimising stiffness and minimising weight.

WEVC is to establish an all-new production facility in the Midlands that will build up to 5,000 electric commercial vehicles per annum, and an additional site in Cornwall for low-volume sports car and passenger EV manufacturing / Picture: WEVC

Fully supported by a UK-based EV technology supply chain and capable of providing the basis for a whole new range of bespoke electric last mile, vans, trucks and buses, production of PACES-based electric commercial vehicles is scheduled to start in the Midlands in Q3 2023, with a first prototype due to be revealed by the end of Q1 2022.

WEVC will also establish another facility in Cornwall in 2023, an all-new facility that will focus on the low-volume manufacturing of sports cars and passenger EVs.

Neil Yates, founder and owner of Watt Electric Vehicle Company, said: “Our PACES architecture and manufacturing processes are flexible and scaleable, a first “off-the-shelf” product specifically targeted for the low-to-medium volume industry capable of supporting any type of EV, with a cell-to-chassis structural battery system that optimises chassis stiffness and minimises vehicle weight. With ever-increasing pressure on urban emissions, coupled with the growth in home delivery, we have been approached by multiple commercial vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators, who are in desperate need of developing the next generation of electric vans, trucks and buses.

“Thanks to the support of Innovate UK grant funding, we will reveal our first prototype electric commercial vehicle, based on PACES, by end of Q1 2022. Production of a new range of PACES-based electric commercials by WEVC is then scheduled to begin in our new Midlands facility in Q3 2023. Through this facility, we will have the capacity to build 2,500-5,000 units a year.”

WEVC is also a manufacturer of premium sports EVs, producing its own Porsche 356-inspired Coupe from its bespoke facility in St Columb Major, near to Newquay Airport. The first production car to use PACES, the Coupe is a sub-1,000kg rear wheel drive fixed-head sports car that combines retro looks with state-of-the-art EV technology, featuring a 40kWh battery structurally integrated into the chassis.

WEVC has already completed more than 12-months of testing and development, with a WTLP range of up to 230 miles and a 0-62mph time of just over five seconds. Twenty-one launch edition Coupes are available to order now priced from £81,250; with customer deliveries commencing in early 2022.

Yates added: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to our launch of the WEVC Coupe with very few limited edition cars remaining available. Alongside the production of this new EV at our existing factory, WEVC will also establish another facility in Cornwall in 2023, an all-new facility that will focus on the low-volume manufacturing of sports cars and passenger EVs, at volumes of around 150 units per year. Together with manufacturing in the Midlands of electric commercial vehicles, my vision is for Watt Electric Vehicle Company to lead the production of tomorrow’s low volume electric vehicles.”


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