Parcel deliverers in Germany belong to the group of professions with the highest rates of sick leave – not least because of their physically demanding task.

While designing a battery electric delivery vehicle within the EU-funded project DELIVER, a special focus was set on the ergonomics of the driver’s workplace, especially considering a comfortable entry and exit.

Results

Compared to common delivery vehicles, the driver’s seat in the DELIVER is moved towards the center of the car. Thus, in combination with lateral indents in the vehicle floor and a turning mechanism of the seat, the driver can easily enter or exit the vehicle on both sides.

This concept reduces walking distances and physical strain of the driver and makes the exit into moving traffic unnecessary.

Further, the vehicle concept offers good visibility and high safety levels in side collisions.

The DELIVER is designed with two electric wheel hub drives.

Technical characteristics like driving performance and range were validated with the built-up prototype.

In total, fka and the project consortium created a convincing vehicle concept for delivery in urban areas.