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Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction in recent years as a sustainable mode of transportation that offers a myriad of advantages to both drivers and the environment. The shift towards electric cars is not just a trend but a conscious choice to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. In the UK, the adoption of electric vehicles is on the rise, with more drivers considering the switch to greener alternatives.The future of electric vehicles in the UK is clear. There are going to be a lot more of them by 2030 when the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles ends. The government’s attempt to decarbonise road transport also requires that all new cars and vans be fully zero emission at the tailpipe by 2035. Changes around electric cars and vans are rapid as guidelines, regulations, and news about funding and chargepoint schemes for electric vehicles are published. Then there is the continued expansion of road user charging zones, aiming to reduce air pollution in cities. 

At Maxus, we believe in the undeniable potential of electric vehicles in the UK and look forward to supporting every business and consumer wanting to make the green transition.

What You Need to Know About Electric Vehicles 

Most consumers are unaware that there are different types of electric vehicles (EVs). The most common is the battery electric vehicle (BEV), as you would find at Maxus. With BEVs, an electric motor is powered by batteries recharged at home or at one of the public recharging stations. Electric powered vehicles do not emit any gases, making them a zero emissions vehicle. Other types include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and even hydrogen vehicles (FCEVs).

Sustainability is the main reason consumers are encouraged to convert to electric cars as soon as possible. EVs generate zero emissions, thereby protecting our planet and creating cleaner cities and towns for everyone.

Why Consider Driving an Electric Van?

Benefits of Electric Vans for the Environment

One of the primary reasons to opt for an electric van is its positive impact on the environment. Electric vehicles produce lower emissions compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts, leading to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. By driving an electric car, you contribute to creating cleaner air and combating climate change.

Owning an Electric Van: Cost and Maintenance Advantages

Contrary to popular belief, owning an electric van can be more cost-effective in the long run. While the initial purchase price of an electric vehicle might be higher, the lower maintenance costs and reduced reliance on petrol or diesel make it a financially viable option. Additionally, governments often offer incentives such as lower road taxes and congestion charges for EV owners.

 Driving Experience in Electric Vans

Driving electric vans provides a smooth and quiet experience on the road. The instant torque and acceleration of electric motors offer responsive and dynamic performance. Moreover, EVs are equipped with advanced technology that enhances the driving experience, making it both efficient and enjoyable for motorists.

Are Electric Vans a Better Choice?

Comparing Performance of Electric Vans to Traditional Vehicles

Electric vans have proven to be a superior choice when it comes to performance. The instant acceleration and torque of electric motors offer a better driving experience that surpasses traditional combustion engine vehicles. EVs are not just environmentally friendly but also provide a more dynamic and responsive ride.

Advantages of Electric Vans over Petrol or Diesel Vehicles

Electric vans offer many advantages over petrol or diesel vehicles, including lower emissions, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced driving experience. By choosing an electric vehicle, you not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also enjoy the benefits of lower operating expenses and smoother performance on the road.

Impact on Air Pollution and Emissions

One of the most significant benefits of electric vans is their impact on reducing air pollution and emissions. Traditional petrol and diesel cars emit harmful pollutants that contribute to poor air quality and health issues. By switching to electric vehicles, we can significantly decrease harmful emissions and create cleaner and healthier cities.

Exploring the Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Range and Charging Points for Electric Vans

Electric vans offer a range of benefits, including the convenience of charging at work and an expanding network of public charging points. With advancements in battery technology, the range of electric vehicles has increased significantly, providing drivers with the confidence to travel long distances without the fear of running out of power.

The Lower Maintenance Cost of Electric Vehicles

One of the key advantages of electric vehicles is their lower maintenance costs compared to petrol or diesel vans. Electric vans have fewer moving parts, resulting in reduced wear and tear and fewer visits to the mechanic. This translates to savings for drivers in terms of maintenance and repairs.

Electric vs. Internal Combustion Engines

The Evolution of EV Technology and Performance

Electric vehicles have come a long way in terms of technological advancements and performance capabilities. The evolution of EV technology has led to improvements in battery efficiency, range, and charging speed, making electric vans a competitive alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Understanding the Torque and Acceleration of Electric Motors

One of the key advantages of electric motors is their instant torque, providing quick acceleration and responsive driving experience. Unlike internal combustion engines that require revving up, electric motors deliver power immediately, resulting in smooth and efficient acceleration on the road.

Impact on Road Taxes and Congestion Charges

By driving electric vans, owners can benefit from lower road taxes and exemptions from congestion charges imposed in urban areas. Electric vehicles are often favoured by policymakers for their contribution to reducing traffic congestion and emissions, making them a more economical and environmentally friendly choice for daily commuting.

Expanding Charging Point Network and Travel Convenience

The expansion of the charging point network across the UK has made it more convenient for electric van owners to travel long distances without worrying about running out of power. Public charging stations are strategically located at various points, including motorway service areas, shopping centres, and parking facilities, providing EV drivers with easy access to charging facilities.

Exploring the Future of Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

As technology continues to advance, the future of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles looks promising. Automakers are investing in developing more efficient batteries, extending the range of electric vehicles, and enhancing the charging infrastructure to support the growing demand for sustainable transportation. The shift towards electric mobility is expected to revolutionise the automotive industry in the years to come.Cars and vans will not be the only electric vehicles on the road in the next few years. Local transport authorities received government funding through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, to convert their fleets to electric buses and create associated infrastructure such as charging hubs. Statistics show that 44,020 public electric vehicle charging devices were installed in the UK as of July 1, 2023. In their electric vehicle infrastructure strategy, the government expects there to be around 300,000 public chargepoints, at a minimum, by 2030.     

Society is moving towards a more sustainable way of travel, and electric vehicles will become mainstream in the coming decades as individuals replace their petrol and diesel cars with EVs. Businesses are expected to make the transition more speedily. Maxus is excited to provide electric vehicles to UK customers and contribute to this positive change.

More FAQs about Electric Vehicles

Why are electric vehicles better for the environment?

Electric vehicles produce zero exhaust emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. They also have lower overall emissions compared to petrol cars.

 How do electric vehicles perform in terms of speed and acceleration?

Electric vehicles have quick acceleration due to their instant torque. Many electric vehicles can go from 0-60mph in a matter of seconds, making them fun and exciting to drive.

What is the range of electric vehicles?

The range of electric vehicles varies depending on the model and battery capacity. Some electric vehicles can travel over 200 miles on a single charge, making them suitable for everyday use.

Are electric vehicles more affordable than petrol vehicles?

In the long run, electric vehicles can cost less to operate and maintain than petrol vehicles. They require less maintenance, no fuel purchases, and may qualify for government grants or incentives.

What are some other benefits of electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles offer environmental benefits, lower fuel prices, quieter operation, and smoother performance. They also have a lower centre of gravity, enhancing stability and handling.

Are there specific parking bays for electric vehicles in the UK?

Yes, many public places in the UK offer designated parking bays for electric vehicles, equipped with charging stations to promote the use of electric vehicles.

The Future of Electric Vehicles in the UK    

Cars and vans will not be the only electric vehicles on the road in the next few years. Local transport authorities received government funding through the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, to convert their fleets to electric buses and create associated infrastructure such as charging hubs. Statistics show that 44,020 public electric vehicle charging devices were installed in the UK as of July 1, 2023. In their electric vehicle infrastructure strategy, the government expects there to be around 300,000 public chargepoints, at a minimum, by 2030.     

Society is moving towards a more sustainable way of travel, and electric vehicles will become mainstream in the coming decades as individuals replace their petrol and diesel cars with EVs. Businesses are expected to make the transition more speedily. Maxus is excited to provide electric vehicles to UK customers and contribute to this positive change. 

Joining the Electric Movement with Maxus Vehicles   

We are passionate about EVs at Maxus and want you to join our electric movement. Our Maxus electric vans range has an EV solution for every need. Our commercial series includes the eDeliver 3, eDeliver 7, and eDeliver 9 vans, as well as the T90EV electric pick-up vehicle. Maxus Deliver vehicles can be converted to meet your specific industry, cargo, and passenger needs, whether you want a tipper or milk float.     

What benefits do you get from Maxus EV vehicles? You produce zero CO2 emissions while driving our electric vehicle in the UK, our battery technology reduces charging time and energy consumption, and you can manage performance and costs with our live data Intelligence Onboard system.  

Are you interested in a UK-based electric vehicle? The Maxus EV comes with a five-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year warranty on the high-voltage battery. We also offer nationwide breakdown assistance, service, and repairs. Maxus is committed to great service. Contact us today to discuss our range of electric vehicles in the UK!  

Dublin, 7^th July 2023 – Five days, five cities, 100 drivers, fifty electric vehicles and almost 1200 e-mile across the UK and Ireland, today saw Dublin host the conclusion of GreenFleet magazine’s EV Rally, organised to demonstrate the role EVs play in the world today. 

The Five Cities EV Rally challenge, which started in Cardiff on July 3^rd, saw the drivers power into Dublin and cross the finishing line at the headquarters of commercial vehicle distributor, HARRIS MAXUS, a brand seen as one of the trailblazers of the EV market in Ireland and the UK.

As well has hosting the finishing event, HARRIS MAXUS took part in the electric challenge with a team of four drivers completing the full 1200-mile (2,000km) route in two state-of-the-art MIFA 9 (electric MPV) and T90EV (electric pickup truck) vehicles. 

Mrs Denise Harris, CEO of The Harris Group, welcomed participating teams and rally organisers as they crossed the finish line: “We’re thrilled to welcome the EV Rally to Dublin and are honoured to be part of this fantastic showcase. This event is an important one, demonstrating EV capabilities in terms of power, technology, and real-world range.

“The road to zero is long, and we are still a while away from the finish line, but events such as this help encourage drivers to transition to EV and highlight to stakeholders and governments alike that there is still work to do to drive forth the move to net zero motoring.” 

As the Official Event Logistics Partner, MAXUS supported the EV Rally with transport solutions, providing rally organisers with supporting vehicles through each stage of the event.

Following the success of the inaugural EV Rally in 2022 which saw drivers travel from the tip of Scotland at John O’Groats to Land’s End at the bottom of Britain, this year’s rally upped the ante, expanded its route to include Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

The 50-strong convoy of electric vehicles was made up of eLCVs, e-motorcycles and zero-emission HGVs which were driven by fleet professionals, key industry people, media and celebrities.

The teams set off from Cardiff and travel through Bristol, Heathrow, Wembley and Leicester before finishing the first stage at Nottingham. On day two, drivers travel 316 e-miles through York and head north to Edinburgh city. 

The third leg saw the group travel from Edinburgh to Cairnes on the west coast of Scotland before boarding a ferry to Belfast in Northern Ireland. Day four and five saw the delegates loop through Cloughmills and Ballymoney to Newry in Co Down before making their way south of the border to Co Westmeath.

The rally participants then veered east to enjoy a scenic drive through the Wicklow countryside before ending the 1,200-mile (2,000km) journey at Harris Group’s headquarters in Dublin.

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Credit: Irish Auto Trade Online (Web), 27/03/2023

The Maxus T90 EV is the first electric pickup to go on sale here in Ireland. It was unveiled at last year’s CV Show in Birmingham by the UK and Ireland distributor, Harris Group.

It is now on sale in this part of the world, and being first has its advantages.

The T90 EV is available in one size and one trim level (Elite). The standard specification includes a reversing camera, rear parking sensor, 10.25 inch touch screen and a side-step.

You can opt for metallic paint and the likes of headed seats is an available option, as is a hard top for the loading bay.

The new T90 EV pickup offers a 1,000kg payload. At this time, only rear-wheel drive is available, with the popular 4WD option to follow in early 2024. It does offer hill-descent control, and as you’d expect the towing capacity at 1,500kg is not as high as diesel.

It has a fairly good electric range, with up to 354 kilometres (WLTP combined) promised. A WLTP City range of 421 km is also publicised by Maxus – of course, the 2WD helps with this range.

The battery and motor in the Maxus T90 EV is a similar combination to what is in the larger eDeliver 9 – a 150kW (201hp) motor powered by an 88.5kWh battery. It has type 2 and CSS Charging capability with 80Kw charging capacity promising from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 45 minutes.

In line with most electric vehicles, it has an expensive price tag. One dealer’s site that I checked is showing a recommended retail price (RRP) of €62,395 + VAT, giving a launch promotion contribution of €2,495 + VAT, or a price of €59,900 ex-works.

The Maxus T90 EV is a nice vehicle to drive – the ride is very good for a pickup. It also looks great – very modern and sporty. It is roomy too with a nicely designed interior.

The cargo box size is 1485mm x 1510mm x 530mm. The gross vehicle weight (GVW) is 3,300kg. The new Maxus T90 EV pickup comes with a five-year/ 200,000km warranty, an eight-year/ 160,000km battery warranty and a 10 year anti-corrosion warranty.

The Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) has held its inaugural MMAI Industry Breakfast Morning in association with the Harris Group at the company’s landmark facilities on the Naas Road, Dublin.

The event was attended by invited guests including motoring journalists and motor industry executives. The aim of the MMAI Industry Breakfast Morning is to facilitate journalists and industry executives to come together to connect in an informal setting, encourage discussion on changes taking place in the motor industry and to look forward to the year ahead.

Joe Rayfus, Chairperson of the MMAI, welcomed guests and thanked the Harris Group for their support in hosting the event: “Any journalist will tell you that building and maintaining strong relationships is fundamental to helping us provide our audiences with all the latest information, advice and opinion. This event represents an important opportunity to strengthen and deepen those relationships with colleagues and stakeholders from across the Irish motor industry.

“On behalf of the MMAI, I wish to express our gratitude to Denise Harris and the Harris Group for their continued support of this important event. I would like to thank the representatives from the numerous importers, distributors, and agencies for joining us and supporting this important occasion.”

Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris Maxus, and Chris Haughton, General Manager of Harris Bus and Coach, spoke about the company’s EV journey and innovation taking place in their commercial vehicle business towards a more sustainable future.

Promising young Irish racing driver Alex Dunne, who is a Harris Group brand ambassador, spoke to guests about his continued progress towards achieving his goal of becoming Ireland’s next Formula 1 driver.

The keynote speaker was Joe McConville, an approved driving instructor for motorcycles with considerable experience of touring large motorcycles in Ireland, the UK, Europe, and North America. With a career also spanning nearly 40 years in landscape management, Joe spoke about the influence of trees on Irish roads and the balance between improving the road network while maintaining the benefits of trees.

Speaking at the event, Denise Harris, CEO of Harris Group said: “I am delighted to welcome so many representatives of the Irish motoring media to our Dublin headquarters and to demonstrate our commitment to driving a truly green agenda for the greater good. Of course, our green agenda cannot be delivered successfully without the support of the media. You have a major role to play in helping us to continue to educate people and organisations about the benefits of EVs and the urgent need for us all to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change, as well as to reduce dependence on increasingly expensive diesel and petrol.”

Before closing the event, Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres and Joe Rayfus presented the award for Continental Tyres Irish Commercial SUV of the Year to Eddie Kavanagh, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Ireland, for the Land Rover Defender Commercial.

The MMAI made a €500 donation to the Harris Group’s Turkey and Syria earthquake appeal, which will see aid brought directly to the people who most need it.

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award at the GREENFLEET UK awards. The award was accepted by Harris Group CEO, Denise Harris and General Manager of Harris Maxus, Mark Barrett.

This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment that both the Harris Group and Harris Maxus have made to create a cleaner and greener future through sustainable transport solutions. It is rewarding to see our efforts are not going unnoticed and these awards will motivate us all to carry on our rEVolution journey.

It was a special night too for William Laidlaw who achieved the EV Champion award for his admirable dedication to electric vehicles and his efforts to create a more sustainable and greener future for all to enjoy.

Company HQ quadruples in size as MAXUS gears up for new vehicle launches and continued growth.

7th December 2022, Liverpool: Having outgrown its UK headquarters in Warrington,Harris Maxus has moved to a new premises in Liverpool as the company continues to grow its presence in the UK. The new Harris HQ is quadruple the size of the previous Harris Headquarters which was only opened in 2021.

Harris MAXUS, which is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading automotive companies, officially opened the new HQ today at Gillmoss Industrial Estate with a ribbon cutting ceremony that was presided over by Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Roy Gladden.

Parent company, Harris Group, is recognised as one of the UK and Ireland’s foremost distributors of commercial vehicles, including its flagship electric vehicle brand, MAXUS. The company holds the distribution rights for MAXUS vehicles across all right-hand drive countries in Europe and has seen significant growth in demand for its EV range of light commercial vans.

Owned By SAIC Motor Corp. Harris MAXUS is currently forecasting growth of over 200% in the UK in 2023, with sales projections across the UK and Ireland for 2022 circa 6000 units. The new 52,000 Sq ft premises will house 30 staff including Harris MAXUS’ technical, distribution and sales teams in addition to a parts depot and warehouse. A training centre for engineers taking part in MAXUS’ technical training academy will also be on site.

Mark Barrett, General Manager of Harris MAXUS said:

“At the start of 2021, Harris opened its first UK headquarters in Birchwood Park, Warrington. In less than two years, we have outgrown what was already a sizeable building, moving to a new state-of-the-art campus in Liverpool. The success of Harris MAXUS in the UK has exceeded all expectations. So far this year, we have seen MAXUS vehicle registrations grow by 52% versus 2021, with 38% of our overall sales in 2022 attributable to our zero-emission range of vehicles.

“At Harris MAXUS, we are fully focused on the future, not just in terms of expansion in the UK, but also in terms of the vehicles we put on UK roads. This year, we launched the world’s first all-electric, MPV – the MIFA 9. We also launched the UK’s first fully electric pickup truck, the T90EV. Over the next two years, we have plans to introduce four new zero-emission platform vehicles to the market. Our move to Liverpool is central to our future plans and we are committed to growing our presence in the UK, creating more employment, developing our dealership network and making a valuable economic contribution both locally and nationally.”

Mark Barrett, General Manager Harris Maxus

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Roy Gladden said:

“Businesses are very much the bedrock of our city; not only do they contribute to the local economy by bringing growth and employment to the area, but they also bring innovation and fresh thinking. The Harris Group exemplifies all of these things, creating skilled jobs and driving the transition to greener motoring through its range of zero emission vehicles. It is with great pleasure that I welcome the team from Harris MAXUS to Liverpool and wish them every success as the business continues to grow.”

Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Roy Gladden

As the sole distributor for the MAXUS diesel and electric range of vehicles in right-hand drive markets in Europe, Harris MAXUS delivers a significant number of vehicles every week to an extensive network of more than 50 dealers across the UK.

Founded in 1961 by Robert ‘Pino’ Harris, the late husband of CEO, Denise Harris, The Harris Group is a leading importer and distributor of commercial vehicles with a firm focus on technological innovation and the next generation of clean vehicles driving more sustainable motoring. Denise Harris joined Cllr. Roy Gladden in unveiling a plaque to mark today’s event, dedicated to the memory and great legacy of Pino Harris.

Harris MAXUS is now located at 1 Carraway Road, Gillmoss Industrial Estate, Liverpool, L11 OEE

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