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Electric Van Drives 621 Miles For Single-Charge Distance Record

BEA-Tricks, a German company that sells electric car conversion kits, demonstrated that almost any range is possible with an electric vehicle. BEA Tricks engineer, Daniel Sperling’s, choice of test vehicle was the Citroen Berlingo van, outfitted with 10 lithium-ion battery packs.

The resulting electric Berlingo van carried a whopping 180 kilowatt-hours’ worth of batteries, which consumed almost the entire rear compartment of the vehicle. This is obviously less than optimum for a production vehicle. Even the cheapest guestimate of what that amount of energy storage might cost would put the Berlingo’s battery pack price in the tens of thousands of dollars. But assuming more advancements in battery technology, which seem to be in the news almost daily, the future of the concept is not too far fetched.

The distance covered by the electrified Berlingo was 1000 KM or 621 miles, with the trip originating in Flensburg, Germany and ending Munich. Speeds on the route ranged from 30 to 50 mph.

The time of the trip was 17 hours, though the planners estimated it would take 20. An escort car followed with relief drivers. The trip covered country roads, city streets and the Autobahn, giving a variety of driving conditions, adding to the veracity of the test.

Once the can arrived in Munich, for the eCarTec 2011 3rd International Trade Fair for Electric Mobility, there was still enough remaining charge for an additional 100 miles.

We can only hope that more companies will start thinking outside the box and push EV envelope!