Tag Archives: electric vehicles

This Electric Delivery Scooter’s base-mounted batteries can be automatically changed by robots

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Electric vehicles are increasingly becoming preferred over gas-driven vehicles, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that EVs still have two psychological barriers they need to overcome – range anxiety, and long charging periods. Even with supercharging networks, you still need to wait multiple minutes to boost your batteries as compared to a gas station where you’ve filled your tank in probably under a minute. Electric cars and bikes are still working around trying to find a more tenable solution, but Hanoi-based Carota Design has a clever alternative. The D05 Electric Delivery Scooter concept comes with batteries located in the bottom, but what’s interesting is that they’re only detachable from the bottom too (you can’t lift them out through the top). As a result, the D05 also comes with a unique servicing platform that automatically detaches and replaces battery packs. All you need to do is drive onto the platform and park your electric scooter and an automated setup in the platform takes over the rest, detaching your old battery and inputting a new one, quite like a factory line. The process takes under a minute, is much safer than having humans remove and replace batteries, and is virtually theft and tamper-proof too, since you’d have to tip the entire scooter over onto its side if you wanted to manually take the battery out yourself. Sure, it’s just a concept for the time-being, but even on paper, it completely checks out.

Designer: Carota Design

The e-scooter has a rather utilitarian design, given its function. Made for last-mile commutes for deliveries, the scooter adopts a blockish form factor, highlighting its inner components and the two storage areas (one on the front, and one on the side). The D05 seats just one, has a low-hanging form factor that’s made further stable by the base-mounted heavy Li-ion batteries, and even though it’s fairly utilitarian, comes with a rather slick design featuring an interplay between silver and black parts, a clever use of lime green giving the e-scooter a splash of color, and hubless wheels that contribute to the D05’s future-forward design.

The battery-changing platform is pretty simple schematically, but does require a fair bit of technical expertise. The scooter needs to be parked perfectly on the platform for the arm to extend outwards, grab the old battery, disengage it, and replace it with a new battery. It’s rather similar to Tesla’s self-plugging charging snake from nearly a decade ago (2015 to be precise) but doesn’t require to be that calibrated. The battery modules move upwards and downwards, and one single platform can store as many as 7 battery packs (as per the schematic shown above), or even more if you detail it further. The process takes roughly a minute, quite like changing batteries on a TV remote, and once your new batteries are in, the scooter is ready to go.

That being said, having a replaceable battery system, no matter how convenient, does have its concerns. For starters, you need to produce MANY more batteries than EVs, since your battery network will have to account for availability, shortages, etc. That itself is a strain on the environment, but more so, the consumer faces a unique problem too – you don’t know whether the new, charged battery being put in your EV has 100% battery health. The freshly charged battery being added to your e-scooter at the charging platform could be 5-10 years old and therefore offer less range than a brand-new one. Moreover, older batteries could offer vulnerabilities, making the overall system slightly unsafe if they’re not monitored and taken out of circulation. In the broader scheme of things, having a charging network makes more sense because you can simply plug your e-scooter into any power outlet to be on the safe side instead of swapping out your batteries. Hopefully, EV companies could design a hybrid system of charging and battery replacement, making the adoption of EVs much smoother. Older batteries could eventually be recycled too, reducing strain on the environment in the longer run.

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World’s Cleanest Electric Snowmobile launched this week in collaboration with Pininfarina

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Traversing snowy terrains is now going to be even more fun and environmentally friendly with the Vidde Mobility electric snowmobile. Designed in collaboration with Pininfarina the vehicle makes minimal noise without compromising on the power delivery of a conventional gas-powered snowmobile.

According to Vidde founded by Christian Lystrup, the terrain vehicles around the globe create 30 megatons of CO2 every year. Out of which over “two-thirds of the total emissions produced by the entire country of Sweden.” The Vidde Alfa is deemed to solve this with an initial footprint of less than 100g co2/ km compared to the 550g co2/km of any gas-powered snowmobile. The vehicle is slated for a late 2024 release for a price tag with a wider production horizon planned for 2025. It was launched on February 18, 2024, at IceHotel in Swedish Lapland.

Designer: Vidde Mobility and Pininfarina

Standing out from the rest as a trailblazer of the snowmobile industry, this snowmobile is groundbreaking when it comes to eco-friendly performance. The electric snowmobile comes loaded with a battery heating system for operation at a low temperature of -39 degrees Celsius. For the looks, Pininfarina influence is apparent with a distinctive bold orange and white-hued theme on the sleek body shell placed on the runner and treads finished in industrial black.

The collaborative effort is focused on identifying a solution that elevates the pleasure of driving and making sure it is functional and attractive keeping in mind the longevity of use. This electric snowmobile will be tested at the vast expanse of Swedish Lapland by the Icehotel for the remainder of the season to get real-time data in real conditions. According to Christian, the first batch of units are signed up and there are some limited slots left to pre-book the Vidde snowmobile.

According to Annika Fredriksson CEO of Swedish Lapland Visitors Board, “During the winter a lot of people use snowmobiles for both personal and professional purposes. If we can turn all these snowmobiles into electrified versions it would have a hugely positive effect on nature and wildlife, both for the reduced CO2 emissions and sound disturbance. This fills us with hope and will play a part in reaching our sustainability goals for 2030.”

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Hotel on Wheels: Vision Pullman Express redefines luxury travel honed by Level 5 Autonomy

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Traveling luxuriously in modern times is synonymous with names like the Maybach S Class, Rolls Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera and Bentley Continental GT. Such is the lure of luxury that once you get a taste of it, you never want to go back. The same holds for the future where clean energy vehicles will overtake their gasoline-powered counterparts.

Even at that time luxury will be at the forefront for those who can afford to own. The Hotel on Wheels: Vision Pullman Express culminates from that inner desire for comfortable mobility for a premium experience. The concept vehicle designed by Arya Kani holds merit for short-term travelers as well as those who prefer more adventurous escapades wrapped in the best luxury available.

Designer: Arya Kani

The car is equipped with level 5 autonomy, dripping with utmost comfort and flexible options for traveling while working or resting. There are swappable seats, dedicated sections for rest and work for professional travelers. The buck doesn’t stop at that as there are options for flexible drop-offs, mobile bot room service and even the option to hop on one of the integrated micro-mobility scooters and bikes. Yes, these micro vehicles are housed within the huge Hotel on Wheels which justifies its name threefold.

Since we are more levied towards the design aspect let’s throw some light on the semi-flat front cabin contrasted by the elegant rear section. The front grille bears the Mercedes-Benz influence with the apparent logo muting any inquisitiveness. The daylight opening with the semi-flat glass and a front seat row seems out of place but has a valid purpose. The wavey exterior is inspired by the West Coast of the United States for that cool overall vibe.

On the inside, the car has an airy large glass roof for maximum natural light to seep in. Comfort and functionality are given precedence here with dual zones for seating and dining. There are adjustable rising seats to enjoy the panoramic view outside, whether parked or traveling. For the more flamboyant type, there is the lookout bar with the perfect ambiance for weekend fun. The interior can be turned into a private oasis with the push of a button to reduce the natural light coming in which comes in handy for the summers too.

This concept sees Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Group join forces to plug this huge gap in the futuristic vehicle market that concentrates solely on clean energy and minimalism. The designers envision a future where people will be able to rent out such vehicles for a quality-of-life experience amidst the choking strains of going minimalistic. The premium urban travel-themed aura of the vehicle will be 100 percent tailored to the needs of discerning travelers.

The choice of the two brands to develop this EV concept seems logical since Mercedes-Benz and Belmond Group have evolving businesses in travel and mobility. Take, for example, the Mercedes Sprinter and Orient Express trains by Belmond.

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Olympian Motors’ electric SUV slated for Q2 2024 release, teases Cybertruck with AR windshield and a retro-futuristic design

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Fusing the past into the future sounds like the best prospect for an electric vehicle in a landscape filled with ultra-futuristic EVs is a refreshing change. Olympian Motors is set to achieve what most motorheads will appreciate down to the core. Their Model 84 electric vehicle is the first ever rear-wheel electric convertible in the United States with an augmented reality heads-up display.

While you won’t get that first impression of tech-infused features in this retro-futuristic vehicle, you’ll be proved wrong. The projector on the windshield gets rid of the contemporary 2D digital screen and replaces it with an advanced HUD interface. According to the New York-based company, they’ll start deliveries by Q2, 2024 and only 310 units of this four-seater roofless EV will be produced in the first phase.

Designer: Olympian Motors

The car targets a niche segment of users who want to go beyond the limits of owning a performance electric SUV. That I say because Cybertruck has been all over the internet these past few months (years I should say) revealing its unparalleled pros but also exposing what’s not that impressive. The Model 84 is boxy and a little less sharp in its aesthetics, evoking the inspirational design of the iconic Land Rover that has been the definition of safari vehicles for decades.

The body is made out of forged titanium and military-grade carbon fiber which both provide security assurance in case of an accident. The use of the former means the vehicle is lightweight enough to not stress the electric drivetrain which will need every possible battery-conserving feature it could benefit from. Another safety feature is the inclusion of nine airbags.

The SUV can go from 0-60 miles per hour in a mere 8.1 seconds courtesy of the 340 HP engine, meaning it has loads of torque for that initial kick. The top speed of the Model 84 can hit 160 miles per hour and a figure of 335 miles on a single charge is also achievable thanks to the 89 kWh motor.

While the convertible safari vehicle is best utilized for four travelers, the two back seats can be removed for carrying luggage. It also comes with a glass canopy and laminated windows keeping in mind the possibility of windows shattering in shards which could prove fatal. On the inside the boxy EV gets exotic woods, cashmere and silk materials instead of the usual cheap plastics and veneer made out of toxic chemicals.

Even though it uses luxurious materials and high-tech features, the Model 84 favors minimalism more than anything else. Remember that AR heads-up display, in a way gets rid of those chunky dashboard buttons and switches. The focus here is on hands-free operation via voice commands to control everything from HVAC, seats and doors to the lighting systems.

As per Olympian Motor, the EV will be initially only sold in the US without any confirmation of any plans to export or produce it elsewhere. An asking price tag of $70,000 is right there competing with the Cybertruck, so it’ll liven up the competition once we see it going toe-to-toe with the Tesla monster in real-world conditions. Will it be better at tackling the snowy roads, well only time will tell. Pardon me, for that pun, but I had to tease Tesla for all that’s worth it!

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This electric Pinnifarina hot rod boasts hubless wheels and aerodynamic design

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Pininfarina has been at the forefront of future automotive trends influencing the steady design evolution of brands Ferrari, Alpha Romeo, Maserati and Peugeot. Having its roots as a coachbuilder for prancing horses, the Italian marque has personified luxury and elegance with customization dating back to the 1930s.

The in-house developed electric hypercar Pinnifarina Batista (a tribute to the owner) is a testament to that fact. Now, yet another concept proposed for the brand caught our attention. It’s a compact urban microcar targeted for people who are tech-savvy, health conscious and prefer a minimal lifestyle.

Designer: Kanishq Palav

This two-seater electric vehicle riding on hubless wheels and a high ride height has a very compact footprint to navigate crowded city sections with ease. Unlike some similar previous designs, this concept pokes the realms of practicality. The riders are encapsulated within the cockpit-like compartment to have an aerodynamically optimized shape for minimum drag.

In more ways than not this Pininfarina concept seems like a modernized hot rod ready for any drag race challenges. Of course, the electric motor can provide the needed torque for short sprints but if think it’ll beat anyone on the Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe track, you’ll be disappointed. Coming onto the swingarm suspension ensures easy turning and maneuverability at respectable speeds. The luxury compact mini car is made for short trips in the metropolis and the city limits.

That elevated rear section and the muted front section make it a treat to drive with a more than optimal view for the driver. This EV carries Pinnifarina’s signature design language in a clean hue that complements the aggressive yet classy stance, and it shows.

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All-electric Ferrari Alto reinforces legacy of The Prancing Horse in zero-emission dominated future

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The prancing horses from Italy capture motorheads’ imagination whether they own one or not. These set of wheels adorn either the lavish garages of billionaires or stick to the walls of youngsters who have mustered up a million dreams of where they would take their Ferrari.

The brand laid the foundation of fast car trend that to date have proved their metal as more automotive sports car makers took up the challenge of satisfying demanding drivers. Such is the elegance and performance of The Prancing Horse that every fresh model rolling out of the production lines is as exciting as the last one.

Designer: Alban LERAILLER

With all the major automakers making the gradual transition to electric vehicles, performance cars also seem to be ready for the electrified future. Ferrari SF90 Stradale is the initial step that the Italian automaker had to offer in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle setup, and they are currently building an all-electric hypercar to dominate the closely contested race for the zero-emission future.

This concept in line with the upcoming plans of Ferrari redefines the shift in strategy to an all-wheel drive electric sportscar that can induce the same level of excitement as the fuel-powered V12 monsters. The front intake of the Alto brings an advantage in terms of the rotation axis of the electric motor – the more speed it gains, the more air intake optimizes performance.

Alto has a divided approach in terms of design with a fluid top (for optimized aerodynamics) and a geometric bottom section (for constant and uniform tension), creating a mix of smooth and sharp aesthetics. Based on the iconic 365GTB chassis, the concept Ferrari here adapts the front section of the Daytona and the grille of the 250 GTs. The subdued spoiler is an extended part of the full body headlights and the panels on top open to act as aérofrein for active aerodynamics.

To add a bit of spark to the predictable concept car designs of today, Alban incorporates a wind instrument organ that diffuses the low-pitched sound inside and outside the cabin to create a peculiar sound. This gives the sportscar a personality of its own.

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Pininfarina’s latest Electric SUV has a 692-mile maximum range… and a strangely familiar name

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Meet the Polestones 01. Not to be confused with the Volvo-owned EV marque Polestar, this particular brand of electric vehicles comes from China… Shanghai, specifically. The Polestones 01’s design can be credited to the iconic automotive design outfit Pininfarina’s Shanghai branch. The Polestones 01’s design takes on the visage of a Land Rover Defender-esque 7-seater SUV, but boasts a few clever features like dual-axle electric powertrains that get further supplemented by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine. Clearly designed for outdoor-enthusiasts with range-anxiety, the Polestones 01 has a ‘claimed’ maximum range of 692 miles when supplemented by the petrol engine, and boasts a complete outdoor kitchen built into its tailgate, along with a fold-out gazebo that I genuinely hope becomes a standard fixture in SUVs and Pickups moving forward…

Designer: Pininfarina Shanghai

Let’s cut to the chase: The Polestones 01 isn’t shy about its ambitions. Designed by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, this seven-seat behemoth marries the classic boxy aesthetics with modern technology. With two length options, accommodating either six or seven passengers, it caters to both family outings and adventure-seekers. At its heart lies a range-extender powertrain, a symphony of two electric motors harmonizing with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine. The result? A robust 350kW of power and 740Nm of torque, capable of propelling the 01 from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in a mere 5.5 seconds. While its electric-only range stands at 234km (145 miles), invoke the petrol engine, and you’re looking at a staggering 1113km (692 miles) journey.

A comprehensive array of six cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and not one, but three LiDAR units stand guard, ensuring a secure and informed drive. This level of detail extends to its suppliers as well; industry giants like Bosch, CATL, Continental, Valeo, and of course, Pininfarina, have all played a part in bringing this vision to life.

But here’s where it gets deliciously interesting: the Polestones 01 features a camper-van style kitchen right in its tailgate. You’ve got a deployable kitchen neatly tucked in the tailgate, complete with an induction cooktop and water dispenser, all shielded by a fold-out gazebo. Inside, the six-seat variant boasts individually reclining seats and a roof-mounted dropdown screen, transforming the cabin into a mobile lounge. Opt for the seven-seater, and you’re treated to a transformational space that converts into a king-sized bed.

The dual-infotainment system separates function from recreation, allowing the driver to focus on the details that matter, and a larger screen for the rear occupants to enjoy a nice movie while on a long roadtrip.

Yet, for all its grandeur, the Polestones 01 doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It enters a market increasingly enamored with the boxy, rugged charm of vehicles like the Land Rover Defender. It joins the ranks of other Chinese contenders like the Tank 300 and Haval Raptor, each vying for a piece of the global automotive pie. However, what sets it apart is that bold blend of classic design, cutting-edge technology, an unapologetic nod to luxury that might just turn heads and shift perceptions of Chinese automotive innovation, and that fold-out gazebo that gets extra points for creativity. As it gears up for its debut, the industry watches with bated breath, wondering whether this blend of old-school charm and new-age tech will resonate with the global consumer.

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This utilitarian electric scooter is economical and faster way to move cargo in urban locales

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As businesses are shifting focus from more polluting and space-consuming cargo vans and cars to cargo-hauling bikes for the last-mile approach, there is a huge demand for better options. Tapping on the opportunity, a Vancouver-based startup is designing what it calls the Scootility – precisely a portmanteau of scooter and utility. A reasonable and compact alternative for last-mile delivery; the cargo-hauling Scootility is for now in the prototype stage with production to begin in the next 12 months.

Given its unique design, the Scootility is not another electric bike. In fact, it draws design inspiration from a segway with a column handle for maneuvering it. By virtue, however, it is an electric scooter that allows the rider to stand up and ride while the cargo remains intact in the covered box right in front of the eyes.

Designer: Scootility

In the design then, a lockable cargo box with a standard load-bearing capacity of 140 liters is the biggest takeaway. This weatherproof box becomes even more beneficial for the delivery guy with the swappable feature. The cargo box can be taken off and replaced with a swappable option on the fly minimizing time between pickup and delivery.

The e-scooter with its compact size and narrow footprint in the traffic, can also be used for delivering medication or supplies in affected areas where access to other forms of transport may be hindered. Interestingly, Scootility has full suspension and wheels measuring 16-inches on the front and 13-inches on the back. The smaller wheel size allows more space for a cargo box on this scooter with utility as its basis over a simple mode of commutation.

For the safety of the rider, it’s installed with LED lighting and has a small turning radius, the manufacturer claims. A foldable leg rest of the Scootility can double as a glove compartment, and the long steering column and handle can fold down for easy storage. Powered by a swappable lithium battery offering a 100 km range in the standard variant, the Scootility is easier to ride (no license needed) and more economical (as opposed to cargo e-bikes on the market).

Since Scootility is only raising funding for its utility scooter at the moment, there is no definite word on the retail price. Given its benefits of minimum parking space requirement, swappable cargo box and battery, and substantial drive range, we are sure many businesses already have their eyes out for the Scootility.

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80% smaller than the average car: This Compact EV seats 2 people and fits into tight parking spots

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Motorcycles are agile but don’t have the conveniences a car offers. Cars have roofs, storage space, and are more stable, but they aren’t as compact as motorcycles. Granstudio’s vision for Komma, a Swiss-based mobility startup, was to blur the line between the two. The Komma UMV is unique in that it borrows the best bits from a car and a motorcycle. For all intents and purposes, it looks and feels like a car, with four wheels, a roof, doors, and even a boot to store luggage. However, it’s no wider than a motorcycle, making it 80% smaller than most cars, run on 66% less energy, and have all the safety features of a car, from seatbelts to airbags.

Designer: Granstudio

The Komma UMV is entirely a new category of vehicle, borrowing the best bits from cars, motorbikes, ATVs, and even the Asian TukTuks. It prioritizes efficiency without compromising on mobility and rider comfort, and when it does make trade-offs, it does so in a way that really feels like features. For example, it might be smaller than a car, but its slim format allows it to weave between traffic and park in even the tightest spaces without breaking a sweat.

“In the studio, we focus on both designing cars and developing mobility plans for future cities. However, when we try to combine these two aspects, something doesn’t quite fit,” say the designers at GranStudio “This is particularly evident in Europe, where it is clear that the ideal city we envision for the future prioritizes the quality of public spaces and community values. It is a city where cars do not naturally belong and are out of context.”

In scaling the car down to this two-seater format, the math adds up to some real savings for both the rider and the planet. The Komma UMV is 80% smaller than your average car and has a 70% reduced ecological footprint. It consumes 66% less energy than a car, which translates to 70% lower operational and fuel costs than your regular gas-powered vehicle. All that really makes a difference in the grand scheme of things, making the Komma UMV perfect for single-person or two-person rides.

That being said, the UMV has all the benefits of a car. It runs on four wheels that employ a unique hydraulic tilting system for stability, but also enable tighter turns, just like a motorcycle. You’ve got a 4WD system, suspension, anti-collision protocols, and an anti-lock braking system. The car also comes with doors, a roof, seatbelts, airbags, and its occupants don’t need helmets. The windshield has airbags, and the UMV has storage space in both the front as well as the boot, offering much more storage space than a two-wheeler. Given its width constraint and hydraulic tilting system, it uses handlebars, which seem to be the only actual remnant left behind from the motorcycling world, along with the seating format where the passenger sits right behind the rider.

Komma offers a transformative vision for urban environments, placing a strong emphasis on enhancing the quality of public spaces and nurturing community values. By reducing the dominance of automobiles (or at least the space occupied by them), Komma paves the way for a more harmonious coexistence with nature, creating abundant room for leisure pursuits, and fostering vibrant social interactions. This shift in perspective not only redefines the city but also revitalizes it, making it a place where people and nature thrive together.

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Xiaomi SU7 Steals the Spotlight in EV Market amid dwindling ‘Apple Car’ Rumors

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It seems like Apple just needs to hint at building something and the tech world practically coalesces towards realizing that vision. Apple had to merely hire YSL’s former boss to create rumors around a fashion-focused wearable and Samsung scrambled to launch their Galaxy Watch. The company hinted at AR/VR being their future and Facebook literally rebranded to Meta to bet on that vision. Now, after years of Apple Car ‘leaks and rumors’, Xiaomi is beating the Cupertino giant to the punch by announcing the SU7, their first EV.

Designer: Xiaomi

The SU7 hasn’t formally been announced by Xiaomi yet, but images of the car were released to the public by China’s government regulatory agency, accompanied by various technical details of the car’s design and capabilities. This move shouldn’t come as a surprise to keen-eyed folk in the tech world, given that Xiaomi’s actually made electric scooters in the past under its Mijia sub-brand. In fact, it’s been Xiaomi’s endeavor to make practically every product possible, given that their name means ‘little rice’, a call-back to a Buddhist concept of starting small and working your way up to the top.

The recently unveiled SU7 is shaping up to be a formidable entrant in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Although Xiaomi is the brand behind this vehicle, the actual manufacturing will be done by Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. (BAIC), a state-owned enterprise in China. This collaboration is a strategic step for Xiaomi, venturing into new territory while leveraging BAIC’s manufacturing expertise.

Design-wise, the SU7 is positioned to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model S, featuring a 118″ wheelbase and a fastback roofline, though with a faux-hatch trunk. Its overall length is comparable to the Model S, falling short by less than 30mm, aiming to appeal to the Chinese market’s preference for long-wheelbase luxury sedans​.

The SU7 will be available in multiple variants, including a single-motor rear-wheel-drive version producing around 295 hp and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version with an impressive 663 hp. The vehicles differ in weight and battery technology, with the premium model featuring a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, contrasting with the more affordable variant’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The high-end model is also expected to have a 100kWh battery and an 800-Volt architecture. In addition, some models will sport a conspicuous lidar array on the roof, indicating advanced driver assistance and potential autonomy features​.

Xiaomi’s ambition with the SU7 extends beyond just manufacturing a luxury EV. The car is expected to feature Xiaomi-developed in-car software, potentially integrating with its vast ecosystem of gadgets and services. However, the extent of this integration and whether it will be globally applicable or mainly focused on the Chinese market remains to be seen.

Oddly enough, Xiaomi isn’t the first tech company to foray into the EV space. Back in 2020, Sony turned heads by revealing the Mission S, its first automotive concept with self-driving features. While the Mission S, as impressive as it was, was intended to just be a proof of concept, Xiaomi’s SU7 EV will actually see the light of day, following approval from the Chinese government regulatory agency. As for the car’s global availability, it’s uncertain if Xiaomi plans to market the SU7 outside China. The brand has a substantial presence in Asia and Europe, particularly in the value segment, which might not align with the luxury EV market. However, the SU7 could signify a shift in the broader market narrative, influencing other technology companies to explore vehicle manufacturing, especially as the global smartphone market reaches a saturation point.

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