Any city will find that a logistics system that effectively supports flow of goods from one point to another is a crucial point in keeping things running. Fleets of vehicles currently travel around the country delivering food, clothing and other stock, but at the cost of heavy emissions. While there are plans to increase the use of rail freight, inner-city deliveries are still plagued with carbon heavy emissions. So what’s the solution? Enter the eStar Electric Vehicle, a green delivery vehicle that boasts an impressive 4,000 pound payload and can travel 100 miles on a single charge.
Designed by green vehicles specialist Navistar, the eStar aims to press companies to re-evaluate how they outfit their fleets. Navistar says of their ‘peppy’ little vehicle that it is “designed from the ground up to be electric, eStar is more efficient and effective than typical electric conversions.”
It is also easy to charge as the eStar offers a simple 220 volt split phase electrical charging process that’s quick and efficient. This means that the eStar can recharge overnight in approximately 8 hours and be ready for work in the morning.
Spec-wise the eStar runs on a 80kWhr Li-ion cassette battery providing 102 horsepower and 70kw of power. With a top speed of 50 mph and zero emissions, the eStar is ideal for inner-city work. The vehicle’s size also gives it room to move. Its 36-foot turning diameter helps in navigating small spaces, while the open view from the cab gives the driver a clear 180 degree view.
If you run a business in a big city, be it flower deliveries or catering, and are looking to green up your fleet, this could provide the answer.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
Beyond the transport of passengers, to ensure that we are reducing our carbon footprint, we need to consider clean automotive in all applications, even in the local delivery of goods.
+ eStar Trucks
With its range of 100 miles, I’m skeptical how far it will get through the city before needing to recharge. So it probably wont carry sensitive goods like chemicals, medicine or refrigerated goods if it needs power to keep it from spoiling. And at just 4000 pounds of cargo, I could tow that stuff with a used pickup truck for a fraction of the cost.
Dear lazyreader,
I expect the vehicle will get about 100 miles through the city before it needs to recharge.