eWAVs

Annandale Community Transport, based in Lockerbie, Scotland, needed an electric wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) that could comfortably seat five passengers, including a driver, and accommodate a wheelchair. The vehicle required sufficient range to collect residents from surrounding villages, a vital service for rural community connectivity.

After a successful demo event, E-Van Guru (EVG) was tasked to provide a suitable electric WAV. They recommended the Mercedes e Vito Tourer 100kwh for its robust battery and impressive range of over 200 miles. In collaboration with Midlands Truck & Van Ltd in Birmingham, a new factory unit was sourced and customised to Annandale’s specifications within just two months.

The Mercedes e Vito Tourer underwent a bespoke conversion using the AMF Bruns WAV system, incorporating a “future-safe” system for enhanced wheelchair safety. Delivered by EVG in early March 2024, the vehicle has become a cornerstone of Annandale’s transport services. The successful partnership and EVG’s strong referral network have led to a surge in orders for EV-based WAVs, indicating a promising trend in sustainable community transport solutions.

E-Van Guru required an efficient and wide-reaching platform to market their Peugeot e Traveller demo vehicle, equipped with a specialist wheelchair access kit. It was essential to connect with a broad customer base to find a buyer who would appreciate the value and features of the well-maintained, low-mileage vehicle.

Turning to their partners at WAVs GB, renowned for their substantial online presence and market reach, E-Van Guru leveraged the platform’s extensive network. WAVs GB’s prominent position on Google searches provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the Peugeot e Traveller to a wide audience, ensuring a swift and effective sale process.

The strategic partnership with WAVs GB proved fruitful when a private buyer from London was introduced. After experiencing the vehicle’s capabilities and comfort during a comprehensive test drive, the buyer was immediately impressed. The Peugeot e Traveller, with only 5,000 miles on the clock and fitted with an AMF Bruns wheelchair access kit, including a single drop seat and the Future Safe protection system, was sold. The buyer recognised the exceptional value for money, highlighting E-Van Guru’s ability to offer top-quality, accessible vehicles through trusted channels.

Dalemead Care Home in Richmond, London, sought an environmentally-friendly wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) to meet their specific range requirements and enhance their transportation services. They needed a reliable electric vehicle to provide comfortable and sustainable transport for residents, a necessity for a care home committed to combining quality care with environmental consciousness.

WAVs GB approached E-Van Guru for expert advice on the electric WAV market, resulting in the recommendation of the Mercedes e Vito Tourer. This vehicle matched Dalemead’s range criteria and offered the necessary comfort for care home residents. E-Van Guru facilitated the acquisition of a new, metallic Mercedes e Vito Tourer L2 PRO 100kwh from Midlands Truck and Van Mercedes. Working closely with AMF Bruns for the WAV conversion and handling the IVA process, E-Van Guru expedited the entire operation, delivering the vehicle within just 10 weeks of the order.

The collaboration between Dalemead, WAVs GB, and E-Van Guru proved to be seamless, with family members Naheed and Umar involved in every step, from procurement to final delivery. The delivery also opened discussions on future charging infrastructure, indicating a long-term commitment to sustainable practice. Dalemead’s trust in E-Van Guru to deliver the ideal vehicle for their needs was met with a solution that aligned perfectly with their ethos of care and sustainability.

Tagsa Uibhist, a community transport charity on the remote Isle of Benbecula, faced a pressing need for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV). With their existing vehicle out of service and the community relying on their support, time was of the essence. The charity had secured grant funding but required a quick delivery to continue providing essential transport services to the island residents.

Acting on a referral from Wheels in Nairnshire, E-Van Guru swiftly responded to the call from Amy Cox, Transport Manager for Tagsa Uibhist. Understanding the urgency, E-Van Guru offered their Mercedes e Vito Tourer demonstrator, a WAV with just 7,000 miles and additional fold-away drop seats, ensuring it was a ready-to-go solution. The demonstrator, already primed for WAV use, represented an ideal fit for the charity’s immediate needs, and E-Van Guru guaranteed its preparation and delivery within an impressive four-week timeframe.

In a twist to the usual delivery process, the handover took place at Glasgow airport to coincide with Amy’s visit to family. Phil from E-Van Guru conducted thorough driver training with Amy, exemplifying flexibility and customer care. Amy then ferried the vehicle back to Benbecula, where it quickly became an integral part of the community’s fabric. E-Van Guru’s dedication to meeting client needs promptly is reflected in the vehicle’s popularity on Tagsa’s Facebook pages, showcasing its impact and the continued success of Tagsa Uibhist’s vital services.

Lismore Community Transport, serving a small island community off the West Coast of Scotland, sought an electric wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) tailored to their unique geographic and demographic needs. With a modest population of approximately 160, the requirement was for an efficient and reliable electric WAV that could handle the local terrain and provide autonomy within the limited charging infrastructure available.

E-Van Guru, known for pioneering electric fleet solutions, engaged with Lismore Community Transport during a demonstration afternoon in Lockerbie. After understanding the charity’s specific needs, E-Van Guru facilitated the procurement of a Vauxhall e Vivaro Life 50kwh. This vehicle, with a range of 150 miles, was an ideal fit for the island’s operational radius. Additionally, E-Van Guru assisted in securing a grant for the purchase and advised on installing a 22kwh charging station to ensure seamless operations.

Phil and Brian from E-Van Guru personally delivered the customised Vauxhall e Vivaro Life to Lismore, including a ferry crossing, indicative of their commitment to client service. Their stay, hosted by the charity’s patrons, allowed for extensive familiarisation training for the island residents, ensuring the community felt confident in their new transport solution. The positive impact of this project extended beyond the initial delivery, with E-Van Guru providing ongoing support and guidance, even assisting the charity in acquiring a new MG EV estate car for their fleet.

Wheels in Nairnshire, a charitable organisation in North Scotland, aimed to enhance its transportation services with a sustainable, flexible vehicle solution. The challenge was to find a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) that could serve a dual purpose: accommodate up to 6 people plus a wheelchair, or carry 8 people without one. The vehicle needed to offer a significant range to cater to the widely spread community, all while adhering to the organisation’s environmental sustainability goals.

E-Van Guru stepped in with a tailored approach, led by Brian Bachelor, a renowned e-van expert with over 30 years in the commercial vehicle industry. Following in-depth consultations, the Mercedes e Vito Tourer 100kWh was chosen for its large battery and exceptional range, exceeding 200 miles on a single charge. This choice ensured the vehicle’s flexibility for community use. E-Van Guru facilitated the grant application for the purchase and managed the WAV conversion to meet specific needs, including additional fold-away drop seats for versatility. The delivery, meticulously planned, included a personal journey over 620 miles, showcasing E-Van Guru’s dedication to hands-on, client-focused service.

The Mercedes e Vito Tourer has significantly improved Wheels in Nairnshire’s service capability, offering a reliable, eco-friendly transport option that perfectly aligns with their mission. The successful collaboration has not only enhanced the quality of life for the community members but also set a precedent for sustainable transportation in charitable services. The project’s success led to further referrals, expanding E-Van Guru’s impact on the adoption of green fleets across various sectors.