According to Autocar, the two companies agreed to create a new “origami chassis” to reduce costs and allow more adaptability between variants. Not only will this help to make the production of their vehicles more sustainable, but it will also curb the cost of investing in tooling, which is one of the largest expenses for fledgling automotive companies.
This advanced structure allows the Darling to be highly adaptable, allowing for not only varying lengths but also van, pickup, and taxi body styles. The company says the vehicle has been built to “ensure the best user experience,” leveraging the hydrogen technology to give customers a “cleaner alternative, exempt from emission charges and limitations.”
The van is available in 15.3, 16, and 17.5-foot lengths, providing up to 205 cubic feet of storage space. The company claims it has a payload of 3.8 tons and can tow up to 5,600 lbs. Additionally, it claims almost 250 miles of range as well, all the while touting faster refueling, zero-emission, and cheaper maintenance over the vehicle’s lifespan.