Octopus Energy joins LEVC real-world electric van trial

Octopus Energy has joined LEVC’s real-world testing phase for its VN5 electric van.

The UK energy-tech company’s engineers will use the VN5 prototypes to install the very same electric chargers the vans use.

The trial with Octopus adds a new industry and test phase to the already active Royal Mail and DPD test vehicles on trial.

Due to the similarities between TX taxi and VN5, LEVC is deploying a fleet of prototype TX models with a full interior van conversion, to enable trials ahead of official VN5 launch later this year.

Octopus Energy is a UK energy retailer, specialising in renewable energy and servicing over 1.5 million domestic customers across the country.

Launching in Q4 2020, VN5 is based on the same architecture and eCity range-extender technology as LEVC’s TX electric taxi and gives a pure EV range of 58 miles and a total range of over 300 miles.

John Szymik, Octopus Energy Services chief executive, said: “Transitioning our own fleet to electric vehicles is one of the first steps in our plan to drive the electrification of transport.

“We’re incredibly excited to be involved with the VN5 trial and will be using the vans to install the very chargers they use, improving green infrastructure across the country and lowering carbon emissions as we do it​.”

LEVC’s trial phase is taking place over the next few months and will see over 25 partners take delivery of the test vehicles, ranging from tool & equipment hire; to energy suppliers and delivery services. These companies have been specifically chosen to put the vehicle through a variety of different use cases.