Is this odd skateboard thing the future of inner-city vans?

Oxford-based manufacturer EAV (Electric Assisted Vehicles Limited) has unveiled its latest urban transport delivery solution thing – the LINCS (Lightweight Inner-City Solution). Big fan of acronyms and initialisms at EAV, aren’t they?

Strange-looking van too, isn’t it? That’s because it’s actually a flat skateboard-like thing with two in-hub electric motors and a removable, interchangeable lithium-ion battery pack that should provide a range of up to 100 inner-city miles. 

EAVs own ‘eCargo’ and ‘RoRo’ boxes fit on the back, and the van can deliver said boxes either directly to a destination or to one of EAVs cargo bicycle things for the final mile or so. Handy that.

However, that’s not all the LINCS is good for. EAV says that because of its skateboard platform, it could operate as a simple covered van or as passenger transport in towns. Oh, and it also features a ‘road train’ capability where theoretically multiple LINCS could be linked (sorry) together to create “a single autonomous vehicle”. Crikey. 

EAV says that all of the bodywork is made using recyclable composites and that the driver’s cab could be on either side depending on the country of use. It also reckons it could reduce the need for legacy commercial vehicles in towns and cities by more than 50 per cent.

What say you, Internet?