Alumobility, a group of leading aluminum and downstream technology partners, released a case study that showed significant cost savings for last-mile delivery vans when aluminum is used in an EV design.
The organization partnered with master's students at Coventry University to design a new last-mile delivery van that used aluminum instead of steel. It then compared that vehicle to traditional steel EVs and internal combustion engines.
"The more efficient these delivery vans can be in terms of cargo-carrying capacity or energy efficiency ... will have a direct effect on the bottom line of the delivery fleet operator," says Phil Dodge, technical project leader for Constellium.
[RELATED: Shyft Group earns EPA certification for electric delivery van line]
The group examined the drive cycles and other models of steel EV- and ICE-based vehicles, then worked on its own design, featuring lighter aluminum that still met the strength and durability requirements of last-mile delivery vans.
It found not only was there significant weight and cost savings in the materials used, but a secondary cost savings that came when a lighter vehicle could utilize a smaller battery and powertrain and deliver the same results.
Alumobility's redesigned last-mile van also featured ergonomic and safety features such as a lower deck to make it easier to step in and out of.