What Van? Awards 2025 | Converter of the Year
Maxi-Low L
ight commercials with a low floor height for ease of loading and a large amount of cargo space have long
been demanded by businesses that shift everything from furniture to parcels. Often based on 3.5t chassis platforms rather than chassis cabs, and not really suitable for construction on a van factory assembly line, they are invariably produced by specialist body builders who have managed to create products that are light in weight yet durable. One of the foremost and longest- established players in this sector of the market is Loughborough, Leicestershire- based Maxi-Low, winner of our Converter of the Year award. A well-known player in the field, it
has built bodies on a variety of different platforms including Volkswagen’s Crafter, Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter, Iveco’s Daily and Peugeot’s Boxer. Not ignoring the advantages of going zero-emission, it has recently built a body on an electric Renault Master; and it is the work it has done on developing a purpose-built battery-powered low-floor model for a major fleet customer that has helped to win it our Converter of the Year award for 2025. Said to be the first vehicle of its type, and designed specifically for a prominent distribution chain handling two-man urban deliveries countrywide for a well-known brand, it can handle a payload of over a tonne. It offers a real-world range between recharges of over 155 miles, says Maxi-Low. Its ultra-lightweight body can stand up to the rigours of everyday operation, the firm
Highly commended Vantastec
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Maxi-Low’s aim is to build over 50% of its bodies on electric platforms.
says, and is tough enough to withstand a side impact of over 1.2 tonnes. Made of polypropylene, and 95%
recyclable, it features an anti-slash roof. Tieves are more than capable of climbing on top of a vehicle, cutting a hole, then dropping down into the load area to try and grab whatever the vehicle is carrying. Te body is constructed in such a way
that it can often be repaired without the need to replace panels completely, thereby maximising uptime.
Big light commercial bodies need to
be aerodynamic to minimise energy consumption. Hence the design and construction of the Maxi-Low vehicle’s aerodynamic roof pod, the rear vortex moulded into the aerodynamic roof, and the side wings.
Te newcomer was extensively tested, laden and in a variety of weather conditions, prior to going into service. Te tests provided data that resulted in a number of improvements, says Maxi-Low. Te new vehicle is the first in a range of
electric urban delivery models which the company will develop during 2025 with target ranges of 230 to 270 miles or more. Maxi-Low’s aim is to build over 50% of its bodies on electric platforms, undoubtedly allowing them to change with the times.
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