Modec to attend recycling show

High performance, zero emission vehicles for the waste industry

Modec will be exhibiting two of its zero emission vans at RWM06 at the NEC, 12-14th September 2006. Click here to register for a free ticket Following its first outing at the Commercial Vehicles show in April, the vehicles have been in high demand. Geoff Reyner, Sales and Marketing Director comments "We had a great reaction from potential customers at the CV show, with a lot of interest from public utilities, particularly for the flatbed/tipper configuration, which can equally be fitted with a waste collection cage. We've decided to build on that interest by attending RWM06, where we hope to meet local councils and their suppliers."

Modec van - standard cab, flat bed

Although Modec vans produce zero tailpipe emissions and can easily be charged with renewable electricity, they do not compromise on performance, with excellent acceleration to a governed 50mph, a range of 100-120 miles and a payload of 2 tonnes. What is more, the inherently low number of parts and lack of an internal combustion engine means that maintenance is simple and inexpensive.

Geoff explains "Most electric vehicles up to now have been heavily compromised by their batteries. We have harnessed the latest generation of high energy cells, which have a chemistry capable of storing around 5 times the energy of traditional lead acid batteries. We package these into a large custom-designed pack, which is located in the centre of the vehicle to minimise its effect on the capacity of the van. In fact, the low, central mass of the battery coupled with the full 300Nm torque from rest means that these vans are a pleasure to drive, with brisk acceleration and superb handling. Everyone I have demonstrated one of these to has climbed out with a smile on their face."

Modec sells or leases the vehicles, but rent the batteries. Geoff comments "when running an battery electric van, you have to equate the fuel cost of a diesel to the battery and electricity cost of the electric vehicle. The batteries are a relatively high cost capital item, but they last around 1000 cycles. By renting them out we are able to amortise the capital cost into a regular monthly charge. The charge depends on the contracted mileage (a bit like a regular PCP finance deal) but as a guideline, an 18,000 mile per year contract would cost around £400 per month in battery rental and £50 in electricity, which is close to the cost of diesel an equivalent van would burn on an urban duty cycle. Mix in the exemption from congestion charges, operator license and road tax and the Modec van is a winning proposition.

Modec van - standard cab, flat bed, 1 in 4 gradient

Modec vans are available with a standard or extended cab. The standard cab has a sliding door across the rear of the driver's compartment, allowing quick entry and exit on either side via the walkway immediately behind the cab. This is particularly suited to intensive stop/start duties. The extended cab offers conventional side doors, along with the option of a semi-crew cab arrangement. Either cab can be fitted with a range of boxes, flatbeds, cages or tippers to meet customer requirements.

The Modec van goes into volume production in January 2007. The company is currently taking orders for March/April build slots.

For further information please contact:

Catherine Hutt on chutt@modec.co.uk or on 07894 683366