As new research predicts that the van and light truck sector is likely to lead the way in adoption of electric vehicle technology, electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega says its own successful focus on the sector supports that view.

Over the last couple of months it has supplied a large number of vehicles – mainly vans - into several local authorities in the South East. These vehicles make up part of large-scale orders for a variety of vehicles to work in groundscare and similar tasks carried out by contractors.

National sales manager Justin Bond said: “We have been providing trucks, pick-ups and tippers to the public sector for several years, and sales are now increasing as local authorities respond to pressure from central government to reduce their carbon emissions.

“They are specifying electric vehicles more routinely, and in greater numbers, as part of their response to that requirement.

“We predicted that they would do so, and have invested in development of our commercial vehicle range ready to meet that need.”

The research, carried out by analysts Frost & Sullivan and published at the end of March, says that 70 per cent of electric vehicle sales will be of electric buses, vans and trucks by 2015, particularly for applications where frequent short and predictable trips are made.

Aixam Mega has recently introduced a new AC motor drivetrain for use right across its range, which has improved both range and performance.

The company will be showing vehicles equipped with the new drivetrain at next month’s Commercial Vehicle Operator Show, at the NEC in Birmingham.