Reviews
Written by journalist Odd Arne Ruud – Published July 17th 2024 In Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad and Fredrikstad Blad.
Paxster buys back the postal vehicles and rebuilds them into something resembling a UTV or ATV. The four-wheeler has an electric range of up to 69 miles. The Paxster Air (formerly eCompact Air) is being manufactured in Sarpsborg, Norway and will be distributed across Europe. Photo: Odd Arne Ruud
You might have noticed them in your own neighbourhood?
For many years, these small red electric vehicles have been delivering post and parcels to homes across Europe in an eco-friendly manner.
MAJOR PLAYERS ONBOARD: Paxster was developed as a result of a long-term collaboration with Posten Norge. Today, Paxster vehicles are also used by major fleet customers such as New Zealand Post and Amedia Distribusjon with the HeltHjem concept. Additionally, well-known international brands like DHL and DPD have incorporated Paxster vehicles into their fleets. Photo: Odd Arne Ruud
The factory at Kampenes in Sarpsborg has produced over 4,000 vehicles in the past 12 years.
An alternative to ATVs
Paxster has now launched the Paxster Air (formerly: eCompact Air), a fully electric four-wheeler that closely resembles a conventional ATV or UTV.
The Paxster handles well on gravel, grass, and forest paths. However, for the tougher tasks in forestry and agriculture, you may want to consider an ATV with greater pulling power and four-wheel drive. Photo: Odd Arne Ruud
This is not a vehicle for the most challenging terrains, but rather an alternative for those looking to get around in an eco-friendly manner at their workplace or in nearby areas. If you’re planning to do serious off-road driving, the Paxster is not suitable; in such cases, you should consider a traditional ATV with four-wheel drive and a petrol engine.
A work tool
The cargo bed has a payload capacity of 240 kg, the vehicle can reach a top speed of up to 37 mph, and it has a range of up to 69 mile.
The cargo bed provides ample space for tools and other equipment. If you need additional room, you can attach a trailer for extra capacity. Photo: Odd Arne Ruud
The target audience typically includes caretakers, industrial sites, and other locations where work is conducted over large areas.
There is an option to install a 3000-watt inverter, allowing you to power 220-volt tools and equipment directly from the vehicle.
With this setup, you have power for a leaf blower, a trimmer, or even a welding machine if needed. Photo: Paxster
A Paxster is quiet and silent
The Paxster Air (formerly eCompact Air) is nearly silent, making it an ideal choice for those working in areas where minimal noise is essential, such as cemeteries, campsites, festivals, and equestrian centres. The only sound you’ll hear is the tyres on gravel.
With multiple attachment points at the front and rear, it’s possible to connect a trailer and a snow plough. Additional features include heated handles and a winch, offering extra convenience and versatility.
In traditional ATVs, you have to climb over a saddle, but with the eCompact Air, you can smoothly get on and off the seat with ease. Photo: Odd Arne Ruud
Let traffic pass
The open Paxster is fun to drive. You feel the wind and a close connection to nature. The four-wheeler has excellent road grip on asphalt. The speed isn’t particularly high; the version we drove had a top speed of 45 km/h. It’s worth considering that you might slow down other traffic. On longer trips, it’s a good idea to let other vehicles pass.
The Paxster has a fully electric motor with no gears, making it very easy to drive. To reverse, you simply hold a small lever on the handlebar.
The range of the test model was stated to be 50 miles. Driving from Kampenes to Østfoldhallen (9,3 miles) didn’t make a noticeable impact on the battery meter. Photo: Odd Arne Ruud
Sensible reuse
A few years ago, Paxster launched a programme called 2ndDrive, which involves refurbishing used vehicles. In essence, they buy back postal vehicles that have been in use for four to six years, completely renovate them, and then sell them again.