SRM T3EV Review: Workhorse for the Ages

What we like:

Running costs

Silent and efficient running

Usable range and power

Less maintenance costs

What we dislike:

Less payload than a Toyota Dyna

Diesel fuel prices have been on a rise the last few years, no thanks to Dieselgate and the corresponding stricter legislation against its use worldwide. It has come to a point that businesses transporting goods are feeling the pinch - thankfully, electric power offers an alternative. And it makes a whole lot of sense.

Tell me why.

How about not needing to fuel up and be beholden to the large oil majors? For a typical 60–litre tank with fuel consumption around 10 L/100km, it will cost $29 per 100 km with diesel at $2.80 per litre. Cue electric power, which will cost only $13.37 per 100 km with electricity costs at $0.70 per kWh, powering a 53.58 kWh battery with consumption at 19 kWh. That’s less than half of the cost.

Let’s not forget too that an EV has less moving parts and typically requires less maintenance. Road tax and insurance is also comparable to an ICE lorry. Overall running costs for businesses are going to be substantially lower.

Less costs equals less payload?

Built to compete with the Toyota Dyna, the T3EV has a 1595 kg payload with a deck length of 3.1 metres and width of 1.68 metres. Bottom line, you can carry A LOT with this lorry.

How long does it take to charge and what range does it give me?

Range is a very decent mid-300 km, and thanks to the availability of both AC and DC charging, juicing up is rather quick. 20% to 80% takes 3 hours on AC and just 35 minutes on DC. Much of this brilliance is thanks to the CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is in contrast to the conventional lithium-ion batteries out there.

Not really an important point, but since this is OneShift, how does the T3EV drive?

Well, there’s 80 hp and 220 Nm. Let’s put it this way, it doesn’t feel slow or cumbersome at all. The air-conditioning is good, the ride is acceptable (mercifully, you get front McPherson independent suspension up front) and there’s even a Sport mode if you… Wanted to overtake the lorry next to you. And even if you’re bored, there’s even a screen that has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and plays movies while you are charging or waiting for your supplier.

Verdict?

Electric commercial vehicles are going to be the future, especially where urban goods transportation is involved. Long distance transport may still be a question mark given the charging infrastructure in our region, but for local businesses transporting within the island, it’s a no brainer, really.

For sales enquiries, please visit: https://srmsingapore.com.sg/

Photos by James Wong

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