A beloved Westcountry ice cream brand known to generations of holidaymakers and locals has become the first in the world to take delivery of a fully electric ice cream van.
Hocking’s of North Devon has received what is being described as the world’s first fully certified, purpose-built electric ice cream van, developed by manufacturer Whitby Morrison and built on a new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter chassis cab.
The landmark vehicle has been designed, engineered and built from the ground up as an electric ice cream van and approved through full Individual Vehicle Approval certification.
For the Hocking family, whose ice cream has become synonymous with summers across North Devon for generations, the launch marks another chapter in a long-standing relationship with Whitby Morrison.
Whitby Morrison said the connection between the Hocking and Whitby families spans generations and that both families have witnessed the evolution of the modern ice cream van over many years.
The company said there could be “no better customer” to receive the vehicle, describing Hocking’s as one of Britain’s most respected ice cream brands.
The new van combines Whitby Morrison’s specialist ice cream van manufacturing expertise with electric vehicle technology from Mercedes-Benz.
According to the company, the vehicle offers lower-emission operation and quieter running while maintaining the features expected from a traditional ice cream van.
Announcing the launch, Whitby Morrison said: “This is not a conversion.
“It is not a retrofit.
“It is not a compromise.
“This is a true next-generation ice cream van, designed, engineered and built from the ground up by Whitby Morrison and registered as a brand-new vehicle.”
The company added: “Most importantly, it proves that the transition to electric is no longer a concept. It is here.”
Whitby Morrison described the launch as “the first step along a greener pathway” and “the start of a new era” for the ice cream van industry.
Congratulating the North Devon business, the company said: “Congratulations to the entire Hocking family, whose vision and commitment have helped make this historic vehicle a reality.”
The manufacturer said the vehicle demonstrates how the future of mobile ice cream retailing could evolve while preserving the traditions associated with Britain’s best-known ice cream brands.
