A NEW BRITISH BATTERY-DRIVEN VEHICLE.
Page 23
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
With a Low Loading Platform and a Range Up to 40 Miles, a New 2-ton Batterydriven Vehicle is Shortly to be Marketed.
QPECIALIZING, as befits the name of laithe company, on the design and manufacture of trucks driven by current irons storage batteries, British Electric Vehicles, Ltd., of Churehtown Works, Southport, have developed from their Super-Giant sprung truck (which was made for industrial purposes and has gained a considerable measure of popularity) a road vehicle which will offer material. advantages. It will be remembered by those who have followed the course a electric-vehicle construction that the Super-Giant has a loading space of no less than 8 ft. 3 ins. by 4 ft.. wide; on a wheelbase of 5 ft. 3-ins., its load capacity being nearly 2i tons, whilst this load could be taken up. a gradient of I in, 12. The driver stood upon a platform at the front with all the controls `convenient to hand. It is a vehicle which, for work between station and-factory or for running about in a works, most efficiently displaces horses and . carts, being capable of -travelling over , rough setts and being ,so low in its
running and maintenance costs that the additional overhead charges, by reason of the higher capital outlay, make it an economical proposition.
The new road vehicle will, in many respects. resemble the Super-Giant industrial truck because many of the parts employed in the construction of the one will be used in the construction of the other, their design having proved so satisfactory that practically no experimenting whatever with the, new vehicle will be called for. A proper cab with adequate seating accommodation and canopy will be provided on the road vehicle, and a wheel, column and steering gear will be employed, for the road speedon the level will be from 10 to 12 miles per hour, the battery having a sufficient capacity for a run of from 30 to 40 miles. A very attractive feature of the new vehicle will be its low loading height, the platform being 27 ins, from the ground. For municipal purposes, as well -as for a number of industrial applications, this low, load level will be par
ticularly appreciated by discerning engineers.
Of interest to motor agents is the fact that the manufacturers propose to do all the business in disposing of the output through them, instead of trading directly with customers, as has always been the general practice in the electric-vehicle industry. Hence British Electric Vehicles, -Ltd., are anxious to hear from any motor agent who may be interested, -.and who would be prepared to take up an agency for a specific district. The proposition is one that can be recommended, because at the chassis price of £420 there should be an encouraging demand, and there need be no hesitation to take up such a line, for the electrit vehicle has a distinct sphere, and serves a purpose which other types do not serve in the same manner, whilst there is nothing in the least difficultto pick up on the technical side. For these reasons, we urge motor agents, at least, not to miss a possible chance of opening up a new line of business.