PHVC has supplied DP World with a new EV16 electric minibus, providing a practical, purpose-built transport solution for staff at the company’s busy Southampton terminal.
The 16-seat Ford eTransit will be used to transport employees around the terminal, supporting DP World’s ongoing transition towards a more electrified vehicle fleet.
Designed for demanding operational environments, the EV16 has been specially adapted to meet the unique requirements of life on a busy port site. The result is a vehicle that is ready to use from day one, with the durability, accessibility and bespoke features needed for intensive, round-the-clock operation.
The vehicle is the first in a wider range of electric vehicles PHVC is supplying to DP World, with additional 9-seat electric vehicles due to join the fleet over the coming weeks.
Built around the demands of Southampton
DP World required an electric vehicle capable of carrying a high number of passengers while remaining spacious, accessible and robust enough for frequent daily use.
Although the EV16 is expected to cover relatively short distances around the terminal, it will experience a level of use that differs significantly from a conventional minibus. Operatives will be getting on and off frequently throughout the day, with the vehicle operating around the clock and throughout the year.
With seating for up to 16 passengers, the EV16 provides the capacity DP World needs, while PHVC has tailored the vehicle to reflect the practical realities of its working environment.
The interior has been specified with hard-wearing vinyl seat trim, helping to make cleaning and ongoing maintenance straightforward. The overall specification focuses on practicality and durability, providing a comfortable passenger environment that can withstand the demands of regular operational use.
Bespoke modifications for port operations
A key part of the project was ensuring the EV16 could do more than simply transport passengers. Working alongside Atlas Mobility Conversions, part of the PHVC Group, PHVC incorporated a number of bespoke features designed specifically around the requirements of DP World’s port operations.
A specially designed roof rack provides secure storage for poles used by operatives when working with vertically stacked containers. The poles are stored inside tubes mounted on the roof, keeping them accessible while making efficient use of the vehicle’s available space.
Safe access was also an important consideration. A large yellow rear step and yellow exterior handles have been fitted to make it easier for operatives to access the roof-mounted equipment.
Visibility was another key requirement for a vehicle operating alongside heavy machinery, commercial vehicles and other traffic within the terminal.
The EV16 has been fitted with high-visibility Chapter 8 chevrons, alongside flashing LED units at the front and rear. Additional LED beacons mounted on the roof further increase the vehicle’s visibility, helping it stand out in the busy port environment.
Together, these modifications create a vehicle that has been designed around the job it needs to do, rather than simply adapting a standard minibus after it arrives on site.
As part of the PHVC Group, Atlas Mobility Conversions provides specialist vehicle conversion and adaption expertise, allowing PHVC to deliver bespoke solutions where a standard vehicle does not fully meet a customer’s operational requirements.
Carl Sandalls, Managing Director at PHVC, said:
“We’re delighted to partner with DP World as they transition their fleet towards electric. The EV16 is a great example of how a vehicle can be adapted to meet the specific demands of the job.
“By working closely with the DP World team, we’ve been able to tailor the EV16 to deliver a practical solution that’s well suited to the needs of the port and ready to use from day one.”
More electric vehicles to follow
The EV16 is the first of several electric vehicles PHVC are supplying to DP World, with additional 9-seat electric vehicles due to join the Southampton fleet over the coming weeks.
As organisations look to electrify their fleets, the project highlights an important consideration: choosing an electric vehicle is only part of the solution. Ensuring that the vehicle is specified, adapted and ready for the realities of its working environment can be just as important.
For DP World, the EV16 combines passenger capacity, electric power and bespoke functionality in a vehicle designed specifically for life at Southampton terminal.
Interested in an electric vehicle that is ready to use from day one?
Looking for an electric minibus or a vehicle tailored to your specific requirements? Find out more about the EV16 and PHVC’s wider range of vehicle solutions by getting in touch with our team at Sales@phvc.co.uk.
