London Mayor Sadiq Khan has unveiled an electric van that could play a major role in cutting emissions in the city.

The van, designed by the London Electric Vehicle Company, aims to provide a low-emission option for delivery drivers. There are currently 65,000 small van journeys in London every day.

 London Electric Vehicle Company chief executive Joerg Hofmann said “the Amazon-isation of retail” - where people are turning to online shopping - was increasing demand for small vans of this kind.

He said: “Future urban transport is already changing rapidly and we have a golden opportunity to bring something new and disruptive to this market.”

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Once charged, the van can do 80 miles emission free, and a total of almost 400 miles when using its petrol engine. It is designed to be adaptable for drivers working in London’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Unveiling the van at the Institution of Engineering and Technology on Monday (June 17), the Mayor welcomed the development.

Mr Khan said: “Developing clean, sustainable, electric vehicles is essential in order to tackle our air quality emergency and the climate change crisis.”

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(Photo: London Electric Vehicle Company)

The new model from the London Electric Vehicle Company joins its existing taxi, which is based on the famous black cab.

There are currently 1,700 electric cabs in London, with new vehicles appearing at a rate of 40 a week.