Tag Archives: electric vehicles

Honda reincarnates 80s Motocompo into electrified Motocompacto for modern city dwellers

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Remember the cute little Honda Motocompo from the 80s designed to fit in the boot of a hatchback? The scooter is making a comeback in electric form and it’s called the Motocompacto.

In the folded configuration, the ride looks nothing more than a suitcase with wheels, measuring just 29 inches in length and 21 inches in height. Probably, the reason it was hugely popular even though it had a very short stint at the Japanese automotive production lines.

Designer: Honda

For the 21st century, the peppy commuter targeted at urban users comes with some improvements and maintains the same lightweight frame as its predecessor. To be precise, the Motocompacto weighs 41 pounds, the same class as regular bikes. That small and compact form factor comes with its set of limitations such as the measly range of 12 miles on a single charge of 3.5 hours. The silver lining though, it has a charger-ready 110V outlet, so you can plug it into any household outlet.

The ingrained idea of a Motocompo is to take it along in your car’s boot and only use it for short trips. The front-wheel drive motor of the Motocompacto delivers 490W, making the last-mile ride capable enough of climbing hills. The top speed of 15-18 mph isn’t top-notch when compared to other electric scooters, but it solves the purpose nonetheless. On the dashboard, there are two power levels, a digital speedometer and battery level indicators.

Nick Ziraldo, project lead and design engineering unit leader at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, “Motocompacto is easy to use and fun to ride, but was also designed with safety, durability, and security in mind. It uses a robust heat-treated aluminum frame and wheels, bright LED headlight and taillight, side reflectors, and a welded steel lock loop on the kickstand that is compatible with most bike locks.”

The Motocompacto is going to be priced around $995 and will be available in November. Interested buyers can either place the order online or buy via the Honda or Acura dealerships.

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This Gen-Z electric scooter has ultra-customizable skin and community driven NFT art

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Designed in close association with BMW Designworks Munich, Germany, the electric scooter is heavily centred around the likes and aspirations of Generation Z. The commuter is crafted with the bottom-up approach, addressing the communication element with the ride, and providing the tools to shape up their own culture.

The designers of this thorough concept decided to go with RTFKT as the co-brand since they are known for unique experiences when it comes to phygital fashion, sneakers and digital artifacts in the metaverse and NFT realm. What RTFKT wanted them to pursue is the idea that “the most personalized is the most unique.” This coincides with the desire of Gen-Z to be themselves.

Designer: Yejin Lee, Junguk Cha and Haesung Cho

The starting point was the creation of NFTs and the collection of personalized digital identities, with the best representation of the two-wheeled mobility in their subconscious. One highlight of this is the ability of Omini electric scooter to change the colors and graphics in real time. This is done from the dashboard of the vehicle itself, and the users can toggle it to any pallet they desire depending on the mood, likes and place. Everything right from the body frame to the wheels of the electric scooter has a color-changing surface for extreme customization.

The next trending look popular with users can also be imported and applied in an instant on the smartphone. Thus, giving the Gen-Z another way to showcase their lives and express themselves. The owners can share their designs with the community or pin them to their mood boards to create a personal collection. With this process, the next generation gets the opportunity to interact with others in the online world. Eventually, the active community begins to value the NFT art and rankings start to increase, making it monetarily desirable for those who want to apply it on their own Omni.

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Meyers Manx’s Restorer NEV electric buggy for off-road adventures has a detachable roof and trailer hitch

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Last year we were awed by the Manx 2.0 EV inspired by the original dune buddy created by Bruce Meyers. Now, the electric buggy has graduated to being the Restorer NEV capable of any urban adventure or hill climbs you throw at it. The chick four-wheeler has got spacious interiors for a family of four and looks to turn eyeballs.

The guts of this zero-emission urban ride are powered by a twin-electric motor drivetrain fed by pouch-cell lithium-ion batteries. This makes it capable of reaching a top speed of 25 mph to meet the NEV (Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle) standards. Restorer was revealed during the motorsports gathering at The Quail.

Designer: Meyers Manx

As per Phillip Sarofim, Chairman of Meyers Manx, the Restorer NEV is their ticket to elevate the segment by “introducing an unparalleled, well-engineered vehicle with the timeless Meyers Manx aesthetic. Our blend of premium design, craftsmanship, and a commitment to fostering exploration of one’s surroundings sets Meyers Manx apart from the competition”

The all-new Meyers Manx dune buggy gets aluminum monocoque chassis foldable windshield (just like the classic Meyers Manx buggy) and detachable roof to enjoy the open-air skirmishes. The EV is going to boast a dual electric motor setup to make it possible to haul a tow trailer, climb hills with ease or go off-road without much fuzz. It’s fitted with a four-wheel independent wishbone suspension, regenerative braking system, power steering and the option to hook it onto to a trailer courtesy of the trailer hitch. On the inside, things are kept basic with a backlit center-mounted speedometer and toggle switches to toggle the features. There are standard electric air conditioning and heating to keep things comfy for the riders.

Pricing for the Restorer electric buggy by the Californian automaker starts at $49,000, as a $500 deposit secures your unit for delivery sometime in the future. That’s far less than the $74,000 Manx 2.0 that’s more oriented towards longer travel routes with a range of 300 miles with a bigger battery pack, power output of 202 horsepower and ability to go from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Restorer on the other hand is more tailored for short exciting rides, so don’t expect a better range!

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This Vespa dupe has the retro-modern looks to kill but disappoints with underpowered electric motor

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Cargo e-bikes and e-scooters are a good option to go around town, but if you get something better, then why not go for it? Meet Lampago, a trike with vintage styling and modern features, carrying a Vespa-like charm for keen motorists. The two-seater city commuter is the work of the Turkish design trio – Yavuz Cinkaya, Osman Colcak, and Selen Sarkaya.

So far, electric trikes don’t have much to brag about their looks, but this one is different. It comes in 9 different color options including Ivory White, Ocean Blue, Sunrise Yellow, Lake Cyan, Stormy Grey, Desert Gold, Volcano Red, Forest Green, and Sunset Pink. So, there’s one for everyone out there. To top it off, the electric trike will come with the option to customize the body, front section and the fabric color used in the interior.

Designer: Lampago

The personal mobility vehicle’s name is inspired by the Spanish word for lightning, which is in a way ironic as it is only capable of hitting a top speed of 28 miles per hour. That however is understandable since trikes can become unstable at high speeds around corners and lower speeds mean more safer riding. On the brighter side of things, the Lampago doesn’t require a motorcycle license in Europe where it will be sold initially. Rather it needs a class AM or A1 license meant for trikes or two-wheelers having a 50cc or lower powered engine. So, calling it a moped would not be wrong.

The two-tone color scheme instantly gravitates attention and the diminutive left-side door is a good addition. Chesterfield leather upholstery for the seats adds to the retro appeal of this lovechild of a Vespa. Vintage accents are highlighted by the inclusion of a rear storage bag and spare wheel cover. All this embellishment more than makes up for the underpowered belly of the e-trike.

Talking of the specifications, Lampago gets an average 30Ah Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1.8 kWh churning out just 60V power. The total range on a single charge is also average at around 25-45 miles depending on driving habits. While the 1,000W electric motor leaves a whole lot to be desired, the e-trike has an innovative tech-powered riding system that needs to be tested in real-life conditions before drawing any conclusions.

Lampago is positioned as a fun proposition for city driving with a total weight carrying capacity of 200 kg. How it will fair on hilly roads is still questionable given it has less power than an electric bicycle!

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A DIY enthusiast built this micro electric camper on tank treads to strolls and live in the woods

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Electric camper vans are a need of the hour as the adventure industry inclines toward a sustainable and efficient way of living a nomadic life. While discerning adventurers and industry leaders rely on a Mercedes Sprinter or a Ford Transit to build their campers, here is a guy doing it effortlessly by building an electric camper from scratch, spending the least possible to fuel his passion.

This DIY electric camper is created around a wooden bed with its tank trails (for the rear wheels) being the standout aspect. We have over time seen some incredible DIY campers, which look more refined; the micro electric camper by YouTuber Quiet Nerd stands out as a worthy electric camper anyone with basic DIY skills can build at home.

Designer: Quiet Nerd

Completed as an electric camper we wouldn’t expect, it was created in under four days. An interesting exemplification of electric power mobility, this is billed as an off-roading camper, but with its ground clearance and fragile structure, I’m not sure of that claim!

To test the camper, the builder however took it over a levelled-up jungle trail to relax and camp within overnight. And for camping convenience, the camper is covered with a greenhouse – trampoline overlay to shade from the sun – and has a camp kitchen and some storage options within.

Powered by an electric motor, the camper has lawn mower wheels on the front and tank treads attached to the rear axle, which is connected via a chain to the motor. The camper’s 24V motor runs off a 12V battery – connected to a boost converter to double the voltage – and is steered using an installed go-kart steering kit. The camper is finished with LED lights on the front and rear, and it can run 2.5 hours on a single charge.

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Audi Robosphere is a powerful Cyberpunk world machine curious to break records

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Audi never seizes the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to future automotive trends. Their Sphere concepts, namely – Skysphere, Grandsphere, Activesphere, and Urbansphere being the prime examples. There four shapes of future progression resonate with the brand’s philosophy and for now are limited to the four-wheeler domain.

A concept design wants to break the ice for Audi with a dystopian world concept bike that fits right into the German automotive giant’s scheme of things. Dubbed Audi Robosphere, the presumed limited edition electric motorcycle aims to break the world speed record. Perfectly superimposed with Audi’s current Motorsport endeavor in Formula-E and soon to be in Formula-1, the electric bike is a monster under the hood.

Designer: Andrea Di Matteo

The goal of this project is to take Audi into the zone of record-breaking accolades – courtesy of the limited series of 50 road-legal parts honed by motorcycle mechanics. The target market for the handsome two-wheeled performer, well, the opulent class who don’t fret about taking their machine to the absolute limits.

Andrea has chosen a functional aerodynamic design, flowing from the front wheels to the rear, creating a soothing visual unison. Voluminous styling is dominant here, contrasted by the cool graphics and transparent aesthetics. To optimize the airflow even more, the handlebars are not protruding from the sides, rather they are integrated into the body. Those wide wheels and the geometrically aligned LED headlights to the body frame give off the tell-tale future motorbike character.

This bike has an extremely sporty setup just like you’d have in motocross bikes, but can be toggled for normal riding posture as well. Fork of the Robosphere draws inspiration from the Bimota Tesi 3D which is one impressive Italian art on two wheels. One of the most startling features of this Audi bike is the illuminated rear which doubles as a big headlight. Something that’s never-before-seen on a sprinting machine.

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How Mercedes-Benz wants to shape-up the future of performance EVs with the One-Eleven Concept

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Mercedes-Benz has revived the experimental fiberglass-bodied C111-II from the 70s as a flashy new electric concept. Stunning to the core, this two-seat hypercar has a very dramatic look on the outside and inside. Just like the ultra-futuristic Vision AVTR, this one christened Vision One-Eleven has the modernized version of the wedged profile in the form of a rounded roofline and rounded flared fenders.

The concept was revealed at the Mercedes’ “Design No.5” creative event, bearing the same bright orange hues sported by the 12 experimental C111 vehicles. One look at this four-wheeled damsel and it comes as no surprise the mind behind this creation is none other than Andrea Bruno, Lead Exterior Designer at Maserati.

Designer: Mercedes-Benz and Andrea Bruno

The front and the rear of the One-Eleven have a sci-fi feel with an array of LED headlights that illuminate the road ahead and the middle section beams custom messages for other drivers to see. Move to the back of the vehicle and you’ll see similar panels. The side profile is nailed down with a cool dual-ridge diffuser and ambient blue lighting along the rear wheels.

Aerodynamic tuning is at the heart of this machine by the German automotive giant. There are three air intakes behind the headlamps, windshield at an angle of 70 degrees and dual air vents to optimize the aerodynamic performance at high speeds and on tight curves. Additionally, the electric motor housed at the rear is intelligently fed by the cool air directed via the vents behind the doors. Downforce is achieved with the large spoiler that further optimizes how the car sticks to the tarmac.

Just like the half-a-century-old predecessor, One-Eleven has swanky gull-winged doors. On opening them, the retro-inspired interior reveals itself. There’s an ultra-wide digital display just like on the front grille, topped by an F1-styled yoke steering wheel and the spacecraft-inspired bucket seats trimmed in silver diamond quilting and orange leather crafted from recycled material. According to Mercedes, the concept can drive forward in two different modes – Race and Lounge. The former has a better HUD view for clear vision while the latter reconfigures for a laid-back arrangement for driving comfort.

One-Eleven comes is propelled forward with a fully electric powertrain employing a single axial-flux motor. Yes, that’s the same technology used in Koenigsegg’s Quark electric motor. This motor is better than the radial-flux motor since they have way better tech for peak performance and efficiency without compromising the mechanical operation. Although Mercedes hasn’t revealed any tech specs of the concept, still loaded with this advanced electric motor, the ride should outperform most competitors. As an added perk, the compact size of the motor frees up space for storing luggage.

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Yves Behar designed an electric truck with a Mini Cooper’s footprint and the practicality of Toyota Tacoma

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The wait for Cybertruck is getting agonizingly long, as every other week there’s ignited hope of the Tesla’s electric pick-up truck arriving anytime soon. This is the perfect opportunity for other automotive manufacturers to cash in on the electric pick-up truck hype train.

Most certainly California-based startup wants to give prospective buyers a value-for-money proposition with its offering. Meet the TELO pick-up truck designed for urban riders, bringing in the capabilities of a full-sized pick-up in a very compact size.

Designer: Yves Béhar and TELO

In essence, it’s a smaller version of the likes of Rivian R1T. The team over at TELO reckons the truck is as compact as the Mini Copper but brings in the capability of the Toyota Tacoma. Stash this 152-inch truck against the beefy 231-inch Cybertruck and you already know which one is more suited for the crowded city streets.

So, we are talking of a powerful four-wheeler driven by an electric powertrain churning out 380kW (500hp) for an acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. The company is promising a range of 350 miles on a single full charge from the 106kWh battery with fast charging capabilities – going from 20 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. It can haul five people on treacherous terrain and still have room for a five-foot bed to carry essentials.

TELO weighs 4,400 in total and is made for urban riders who live an active lifestyle venturing out of the city limits. Yves Béhar of Fuseproject has strategically designed the sloping nose section to decrease the front profile without sacrificing interior space and shifting the placement of the battery packs in the chassis. Thereby resulting in a four-door truck with a generous cabin and a 60-inch bed. The latter has a mid-partition that can be folded down to increase the space for hauling big cargo like sheets of plywood or surfboards.

On the inside, one seat can be retracted to make more space for storing smaller items. Another option is to convert the vehicle into a hard-top SUV to accommodate up to eight people by adding another row of seats. The EV truck can haul a maximum of 1600 pounds in its bed or tow a load of 6,600 pounds. It has a road clearance of 27 inches and can be fitted with 27-inch all-terrain tires. This makes TELO a perfect accomplice for any extended off-road adventure.

TELO truck is up for pre-order for $152 (fully refundable) with a total price tag of $44,999 (excluding tax credits). The first batch of 500 vehicles promised for 2025 delivery will be hand-built, followed by mass delivery in 2026.

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The Future of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure? This Robot Charger Can Drive Up to Your EV and Charge It Anywhere

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The problem with EVs is that adoption grows MUCH faster than infrastructure. It takes months or even years to set up an EV charging grid big enough to serve current needs, but tens of thousands of new people buy EVs on a daily basis. How does one solve for such a problem? Robotic Chargers, says one Seattle-based startup.

Dubbed the future of EV charging, AUTEV’s autonomous robot chargers move around, charging EVs wherever they are, rather than having the EV travel to a charging station. These autonomous chargers-on-wheels help cover areas where the charging infrastructure isn’t set up yet, given their ability to move around from car to car, charging each one. This, in turn, helps boost EV sales, allowing people who were previously hesitant to be more confident in taking up electric cars, knowing that they can rely on AUTEV’s charging services anywhere.

Designer: Autev

The AUTEV robot is a small, pod-like device on four wheels that can autonomously move around parking lots, charging EVs using the batteries that are housed inside it. Users can summon an AUTEV robot using an app, and when the robot reaches its destination, all you really need to do is plug its charging outlet into your car. You can then go about running your errands, knowing fully well that your car is being charged in the meantime.

AUTEV offers a mobile power solution that can be rapidly implemented to address the increasing demand for electric vehicles without the need for extra permanent infrastructure, resulting in greater cost-efficiency and scalability. “Our market research has shown that there is a huge gap in the market between the increase of EVs on the streets and how EV charging infrastructure is growing. Building new public charging stations or dedicated EV charging parking spaces in areas of shared parking presents logistical challenges,” says Founder and CEO of AUTEV, Osama AlSalloum. Cofounder and COO Syd Manna adds, “We have developed an autonomous charging robot that can provide on-demand charging wherever it is needed. Our technology reduces the need for a fixed charging infrastructure and makes EV charging more convenient for EV owners.”

AUTEV is aiming to make fleets of these robots available for garage operators to use commercially by the beginning of next year. These operators will be charged a monthly fee and will generate revenue from both customers who use the robot chargers, as well as advertising that runs on the robot’s displays.

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Compact Luvly O brings convenience and affordability of IKEA’s flat-pack furniture to the EV world

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Electric cars are a good option keeping in mind the health of our planet, but they don’t come cheap. In the world of Tesla and Polestar, which aren’t affordable for all, the gaping hole is filled with EVs like the Citroen Ami.

A lot of brands are aiming to become the IKEA of their respective industries at least when it comes to packaging and modular assembly. Imagine if this idea can be applied to cars that are created on the other side of the world but you would like to be shipped to you without having to spend almost twice the price. The market for a compact electric car is wide open and Stockholm-based tech outfit Luvly is set to rattle the competition with its unique EV. This flat-pack mini car will shake up the urban transport scene with its practical design that doesn’t look flamboyant but solves the intended purpose.

Designer: Luvly

Dubbed Luvly O, the electric two-seater is a flat-pack vehicle that could change the landscape of urban mobility. The mind behind this creation is none other than Joachim Nordwall, who formerly worked with Koenigsegg as the head designer. This light urban vehicle is currently in the last stages of development and is all set to debut in the latter half of 2023.

The ultra-light urban vehicle weighing only 350 kg has a range of up to 100 kilometers on a single charge and a top speed of 45 km/h. In addition, the small size makes it easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces. One of the standout features of the city commuter is its modular design. The car is built using a series of interchangeable components that can be easily replaced or upgraded. This makes it easy to repair and maintain the vehicle, which can help extend its lifespan and reduce waste.

The Luvly O is also equipped with removable batteries, which can be charged at home or swapped out at a charging station. Thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated charging station and making it more convenient for drivers.

In addition to the sustainable features, the EV is also designed with safety in mind. The car has a reinforced steel frame and a full range of airbags to protect passengers in case of an accident. There are advanced safety features such as collision detection, lane departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking to keep the riders away from any harm.

To complement the impressive features, Luvly O is priced very affordably, starting at just $11,000. This makes it accessible to a wide range of riders, including those who earlier might not consider purchasing an electric vehicle at the top of their list. That’s if you can live with a minimalistic interior having limited space and no air conditioning. Also keep in mind, the compact EV lacks many of the creature comforts such as power windows, a sound system, or even a heater!

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