Brotherwood elektron: New electric wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) announced

The British wheelchair-available car or truck (WAV) conversion professional Brotherwood has exposed the elektron, a new Vauxhall Vivaro-e Everyday living-based electric powered automobile adapted for wheelchair people.

Brotherwood has a lengthy history of converting minibus and MPV types for wheelchair accessibility, and in 2015 was dependable for the first electric powered WAV to achieve European style acceptance and be available on the Motability scheme, the Nissan e-NV200 Combi-dependent Envy.

The new elektron features all the benefits of the extra up-to-day Vivaro-e Everyday living, like a 50kWh battery and 134bhp electric powered motor. Brotherwood says it has realized from its encounter with the Envy to “produce a lot more room and ease and comfort” for wheelchair end users. The elektron’s flat and stage decreased ground is 164cm very long, promising increased space, experience consolation and visibility within.

The rear ramp is counterbalanced, earning it gentle ample to raise with a finger, according to the manufacturer. It truly is also small more than enough to remain underneath the rear tailgate in the course of loading, retaining it sheltered from the weather conditions.
Secure, rapidly and convenient loading is promised thanks to a shallow angle and higher-traction surface.

A pop-out aspect move is developed to allow for able-bodied rear-seat passengers get in and out effortlessly and properly this deploys mechanically when the electric rear sliding doors are opened. There is also a seize take care of.

Ultimately, the elektron can be specified with optional VB-FullAir suspension, which can filter out unevenness in the street surface and delivers a self-levelling function, making sure a reliable journey top and ground amount at any load excess weight or selection of passengers.

Electric cars and trucks ordered for wheelchair-available conversions stay eligible for the federal government plug-in auto grant, which was withdrawn for conventional passenger autos in June 2022. In addition to the by now-outlined Vivaro-e Life and e-NV200 Combi, the Citroen e-Berlingo, Citroen e-SpaceTourer and Peugeot e-Rifter are suitable for the subsidy.