Davanti’s DX440 van tyre performance backed by LEVC OE deal

The handling, comfort and longevity when fully laden offered by Davanti’s DX440 van tyre helped the brand to become the original equipment specified tyre for London Electric Vehicle Company’s VN5 electric commercial van. The company said it developed the range with the driver at the centre. “It’s important to remember that, if a van is getting new tyres, that could be a sole trader losing money or a fleet unable to respond to as many calls in a day,” said Sean Maddocks, Davanti Tyres’ sales director for the UK and Ireland. “The DX440 is designed to last longer – reducing the number of times van drivers need to replace their tyres. The tread design and compound achieves that without losing sharpness or control – even under full load.”

It is for these reasons that the tyre was selected for the LEVC VN5’s launch in the UK; the electric van is now launching in Europe.  Designed, engineered and manufactured at LEVC’s award winning production plant in Ansty, Coventry – the UKs only dedicated electric vehicle factory – the VN5 uses the same proven eCity range-extender powertrain technology utilised in the TX electric taxi. This means zero emissions capability without the range-anxiety: the company says the van’s driving range is further than 300 miles (489km).

LEVC CEO Joerg Hofmann said: “VN5 sets new standards for green commercial vehicles offering no range anxiety, real driver appeal and a stand-out design shared with our iconic London taxi. We have created a high quality, hard-working van with zero emissions and long-distance capability. As well as offering favourable operating benefits, VN5 fulfils the growing demand from both businesses and consumers for cleaner, more sustainable commercial vehicles.”

“Electric vehicles have a greater load, with different weight distribution to a traditional commercial van,” Maddocks adds. “The DX440 proved in extensive testing that it maintains its performance characteristics under those conditions.

The DX440’s centre blocks and outer shoulder are designed for volume drainage and surface penetration to pull water away from the contact area even in severe downpours. The outer and inner shoulders are also geometrically designed to apply enhanced grip in dry conditions and even off-road, for those trade vans that often work for example on construction sites or agriculture.

“The DX440 is a versatile tyre,” Maddocks says. “It is designed to be agile and responsive, even under significant load, to enhance vehicle safety. Its harder compound has a positive impact on cost-per-mile, but the carcass and tread design also ensure a comfortable drive.”