Switched on to New Technology

Following the success of the Newton and Edison models in 2007, Tanfield unveiled four new vehicles in April 2008, including a pure electric Edison minibus, improved Edison panel van and Faraday, the first in a range of US-specific commercial vehicles based on the Ford F-Series trucks. The fourth vehicle, Ampere, is the first in its class to truly compete in the light van sector. Utilising the Ford Transit Connect chassis, it has a top speed of 70mph, impressive acceleration and similar payload capabilities to the equivalent diesel vehicle. All four vehicles – along with the established Edison and Newton models – are now powered by the latest Lithium-Ion Iron Phosphate batteries. This is a stable, robust chemistry that not only provides an excellent solution for today’s vehicles but also promises significant improvements on range, speed, payload and unit cost as the technology develops in future years.




Enhanced product portfolio opens new markets

Innovation Driving Sales


The growth of the product portfolio, allied to the success of Tanfield’s electric vehicles in the delivery sector, has led to significant interest from commercial fleet operators in other industries. The Group has now sold product to diverse sectors including vehicle rental, tool hire, utilities, airports, telecommunications, construction and highways. Tanfield also achieved its first sales into mainland Europe, including orders from TNT in the Netherlands and Carlsberg in Switzerland.

Further Production Goals in 2008


  • Leveraging global supply chain to drive down costs
  • Identified new 150,000 sq ft facility in N-E of England with capacity for more than 3,000 units per annum
  • Proposed assembly locations in USA under consideration
  • Limited production planned in 2008
  • Capacity capability of 5,000 vehicles per annum planned for end of 2009 in USA