Australian electric upstart ACE EV reveals X1 Transformer van

Local electric upstart ACE EV has pulled the covers off its new X1 Transformer van, designed for the commercial market and manufactured in Australia.

Based on a modular platform, the van can be converted to a long or short wheelbase, have a high or low roof or be turned into a van or ute in around 15 minutes, according to the company.

Born off the back of a $5million funding grant from the Federal Government, the X1 Transformer includes vehicle-to-grid technology – which allows it to connect via the Cloud to telematics, do software updates or to source emergency power.

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Powered by a 90kW/255Nm electric motor, the 1425kg X1 Transformer can reach a top speed of 90km/h and carry a payload of up to 1110kg, more than enough for most urban deliveries.

Supplying the motor is a 52.5kWh battery – which can be recharged in eight hours on an AC cycle, or topped up from five to 80 per cent in just 45 minutes with the 32A DC charger. It has also achieved a WLTP tested driving range of between 215-258km, with the figure extended to 303-354km in an urban cycle.

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Riding on McPherson struts at the front and leaf springs at the back, the X1 sits on 15-inch steel wheels, although alloys are an optional extra.

Standard equipment on the X1 Transformer includes; air-conditioning, heated seats, cruise control, central locking, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, power windows and automatic on/off headlights to name just a few.

ACE EV plans to begin trials of the vehicle in November, with full-scale testing slated to begin in April 2022.