Modec - the only EV to go all the way
If you're a Sunday Times reader you will have seen coverage of the Revolve Eco-Rally, the UK's first Brighton-to-London Eco Car Rally staged to coincide with World Environment Day on 5th June.
Modec was one of the most interesting and potentially significant vehicles participating in the event. As the only pure electric vehicle driving all the way from Brighton to London, the zero emission Modec impressed onlookers by keeping up with hybrid and fuel cell vehicles - and finally abolished the myth that electric vehicles are slow and can't travel very far!
Supported by Prince Charles and launched by TV personality and motoring journalist Quentin Willson, the event allowed Modec, along with other major car manufacturers, a number of small innovative businesses and key UK public bodies, to share their vision for sustainable transport.
"Modec seized this opportunity to showcase the vehicle's exceptional performance and mark World Environment Day with its vision for the future," said chairman Jamie Borwick. "UK industry has been waiting for a practical, zero emission delivery option for some time, and we've already surprised and impressed many fleet operators with just what British produced, battery powered vehicle technology can do."
Revolve founder, Steven Glaser said: "Revolve's mission is to promote and encourage the take up of sustainable transport technologies. This event clearly demonstrated that solutions for a sustainable future are being sought. The vehicles showcased at the rally are not just visionary machines; they are a real functioning product from major international companies, demonstrating the present and the future."
Additional News: Modec prove their worth to the Royal Mail
Additional News: Modec exhibit to the MoD
Find out more by visiting these Weblinks:
BBC News Online - Rally promotes eco-friendly cars
BBC News London - Prince tests eco vehicles
Daily Telegraph - Charles makes a drive for green motoring
The East Journal (page 39) - Modec the only EV to go all the way
Fleet News - Prince backs eco motoring
Eco Chauffeur - Eco Rally report
http://www.ecochauffeur.co.uk/eco-travel/eco-rally-report/
Green Car Guide - Brighton-to-London eco car rally
http://www.green-car-guide.com/features/brighton-london-eco-car-rally.htm
Energy Saving - Robert Llewellyn records his part in the eco rally
http://howtosaveenergy.blogspot.com
The renowned Ministry of Defence DVD show saw a revolutionary addition this year. Two Modec vehicles were on display thanks to VT Land - the number one supplier of white vehicles to the MoD. The drop side and box vans once again took to the Alpine circuit of Millbrook testing ground to show the versatile and impressive performance of this zero emission vehicle.
Modec are now in discussion with VT land, who source and supply over 15,000 vehicles to the MoD. The Modec vehicle is perfectly suited to the MoD's requirements. Not only is the vehicle specification adaptable, advanced technology also enables features such as speed control on/ off site as well as silent operation to limit disturbance in residential areas. More information will be available on this site in the future.
Modec were delighted to be invited to exhibit by the Royal Mail. The event, held at the world renowned Millbrook testing ground, was aimed at showcasing vehicles of the future so that industry experts could establish how their operation could adopt zero emission vehicles.
Representatives from La Poste had travelled from France to share their experiences of operating electric vehicles (EVs) and demonstrate the benefits. One particularly striking statistic was that EV drivers took and average of 6days sick leave LESS than their diesel driving colleagues. This was attributed to the ease of operation and reduced physical stress that EVs benefit from. The cost associated with such a number of sick days is understandably significant and was one of the reasons senior member of the Royal Mail are now seriously considering zero emission vehicles.
Modec are now in talks with Royal Mail and looking forward to exploring ways in which the two forward thinking companies can work together to reduce carbon emissions in tomorrow's world