Future proofing your fitout to work for an electric vehicle?
The current selection of electric utes available in New Zealand are limited, so if you are thinking of electric for your ute fitout, you are most likely forward planning.
Most existing commercial vehicle fitouts aren’t EV compatible, due to impractically heavy materials and an ineffective use of space. The heavier a fitout is, the less you can carry within your vehicle payload. Plus, more weight requires more power to get along, therefore reducing vehicle efficiency.
If there is insufficient segregation, compartments and modularity in your fitout, it’s easy to end up with items doubled up. This can quickly add to the vehicle weight.
Both things contribute to an inefficient load that’s not compatible with an electric vehicle.
With an Auto Transform fitout, our Syncro system shelving and racking system is 30% lighter than traditional shelving, and enables you to carry all your tools and parts without exceeding any payload limits. Handy right! And, with a product lifespan of at least two vehicle lives, swapping it into an EV later down the track is completely feasible.
Go modular, with our Syncro System. To reduce your load and optimise performance, it is critical to have a place for every tool and part in your fitout. Various sizes and configurations allow you to stow all your tools safely and tidily, while leaving plenty of space for transporting cargo.
We also use stronger, lighter weight material such as 3mm Marine Grade Aluminium for core product groups such as heavy-duty drawers. When designed in the right way with the right folds, this is a great way to reduce weight and keep the strength required for heavy duty usage.
So, if a ute is the thing for you, we can help you plan your build for today with future EV compatibility in mind.
Working with an EV now?
Need an electric vehicle fitout solution right now? Our experience in commercial and passenger van fitouts for electric vehicles, mean you can have something that matches both your workspace and vehicle aspirations.
The necessity for the internal layout to work around battery placement means that specific solutions are needed.
For our passenger and mobility vehicles we have developed a floor system that enables seating to be secured without the need to screw into the floor. Plus, placement of steps and mobility equipment are planned with the battery in mind. As with our commercial builds, weight is crucial. Our passenger and mobility fitouts prioritise lightweight yet durable materials.
For our passenger and mobility vehicles we have developed a floor system that enables seating to be secured without the need to screw into the floor.
Mobility and sustainability solutions – a mobility fitout for a Ford E-Transit van.
Smarter design is the key to becoming electric vehicle compatible
Auto Transform works smarter so your vehicle doesn’t have to work harder. For example, the fitout for Kapiti District Council’s mobile maker space and library van. A Mercedes-Benz e-Sprinter was chosen as a sustainable solution to bring educational and entertaining technology to rural communities. A customised interior design included light-weight cupboards, shelves and storage. SmartBoard flooring reduced weight and met the environmental criteria (100% recyclable). Solar panels and an external power plug (like a caravan) provided two options to enable interior electrical items to run while stationary, without the risk of draining the vehicle battery.
Lightweight custom shelving and cabinetry, plus a range of other creative solutions was the answer to creating a Mobile Maker Space fitout in a Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
SmartBoard for weight reduction
Our SmartBoard is a unique solution designed to reduce weight and increase sustainability. It is a made of a layered polypropylene with a strong honeycomb structured core. There is a choice of two different finishes depending on the application required. This product is 100% recyclable. It replaces wood for vehicle linings and is 60% lighter. Think SmartBoard for floors, false floors, sides and drawer bases.
Beyond vans
If you’re planning larger – our recently completed build for Fulton Hogan is a great example of an electric truck fitout. We created a functional and lightweight configuration for an eCanter to use as a roadside maintenance vehicle on the streets of Christchurch.
To minimise the overall weight, and maximise payload, 80% aluminium was used. A clever configuration packed in the features to create a vehicle that was both sustainable and effective.
The ‘swiss army knife’ solution – everything you need in a truck setup with the bonus of being electric!
Qualified
You can be confident our team are using best practices when working on your EV. Our staff have completed training on ‘Safe handling of high-voltage technology in the workplace’.
Transformational
At Auto Transform we don’t just ‘fit out’ vehicles, we fully transform them. With over 30 years of experience in the vehicle transformation process, we’ve gained valuable, in-depth experience guiding all our decisions and recommendations. We work closely with our partners and listen carefully to understand the specific needs of their industry to ensure we provide them with the smartest vehicle transformations to help them enhance their performance.
We’re meeting the demand for electric vehicles by developing lightweight solutions tailored to the specific requirements that an electric vehicle brings. Creating the best, fit-for-purpose solutions now and into the future.
To find out what Auto Transform can do for you, get in touch with our team today.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2021, and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
