Tag Archives: electric vehicles

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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Foldable + modular e-bike adapts to family life cycle, won’t go obsolete even after decades

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Foldable cargo e-bikes are trending lately owing to their compact aesthetics and as a means of sustainable transportation. Add the modular function to adapt to a wide array of needs and you’ve got a two-wheeled city commuter that’s destined to last for decades.

Following suit, the Italian cargo bike manufacturer, Fabriga Cycles has unveiled its folding cargo electric bike that’s ultra-modular to cater to a family’s dynamic lifestyle and needs. Fabriga Modula shown off at the Cargo Bike Summit in London rests on its laurels of a three-section frame assembly that has a steering, motor compartment and tail.

Designer: Fabriga

Fabriga Modula is at heart a shape-shifting cargo electric bike designed to be both modular and foldable. This means that the urban commuter can adapt to a variety of different needs and situations. The bike can be quickly and easily folded down to a compact size, making it perfect for storage or transport. It can be taken on public transportation or stored in small apartments, which is a huge advantage over traditional cargo bikes.

The practical commuter is mindful of your growing family requirements since it can be customized to fit a variety of different needs. For instance, you can transform it from a cargo bike to a child carrier with just a few simple adjustments. This flexibility makes the Fabriga Modula a great option for compact families who need a bike that can grow and change on demand. The loading compartment measures a remarkable 115 cm and when folded, the e-bike is only 150 cm in length, allowing it to be effortlessly stored in tight spaces and used with standard car bike racks. Thus, making it ideal for hauling in B-segment cars, campervans, small boats, elevators, or tiny homes on wheels.

The Modula long-tail bicycle is specifically designed with two levels to cater to young riders of various ages. According to the brand, children aged four and below are recommended to sit in the middle of the frame, positioned on the lower level, while older kids are better suited to the upper level of the tail above the rear wheels. Additionally, the Modula is highly adaptable with a double-decker feature that allows for a single upper level, accommodating a full-length deck, or an extra-long and wide deck for deliveries.

This e-bike comes with an electric motor for pedal assistance, making it easier to carry heavy loads or navigate hilly terrain. Another advantage of the separate motor bay compartment is its flexibility throughout the lifespan of the Modula. It can be equipped with almost any type of mid-drive motor, including a non-electric bike bottom bracket variant. So, as technology advances, the e-bike can be easily reconstructed and upgraded by a skilled mechanic, eliminating the need to purchase a new electric bicycle.

Aso it is loaded with a collection of intelligent accessories, including foldable stainless steel Teddy bars, the Cargo Nest bag, foldable footrests, bamboo seats, and a variety of other features. The Fabriga Modula will be offered in multiple trim levels, starting from €2,770 for the standard version and €4,970 for the top version, featuring a high-end engine, set to be released by September 2023.

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GAC Van Life autonomously navigates using stars + has versatile interiors for adventure seeker’s needs

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Are adventure trips and camping always at the back of your mind? Then Chinese automaker, GAC Design has got you covered with its latest vehicle concept revealed at the 2023 Milan Design Week, Italy. The inspiration for this camper vehicle comes from the lingering need for a long-journey commuter which is a viable alternative to airplanes.

The four-wheeled off-roader as a part of the GAC Car Culture Series is built for extended journeys and with its zero-emission credentials gets brownie points for the health of Earth too. This boxy vehicle called Van Life, is true to its namesake and resembles an expedition vehicle destined for Mars, but for now, we stick to its utility for the planet we call home.

Designer: GAC Design

The electric concept is proposed to have a low carbon footprint since it’s crafted from lightweight materials salvaged from recycled materials including plastic, aluminum and carbon fiber. Being low on weight means, the vehicle has a far better range than any other concept vehicle destined for a real-life version. Even the solid-state battery, that’s safer and longer-lasting compared to current generation ones – is made from environmentally friendly materials.

According to Stéphane Janin, Director of GAC Advanced Design Milan, “This concept car highlights what is great about being able to go wherever you want to. We believe that cars are not just objects that move people from A to B, but also machines that create good memories.”

The all-electric Van Life has symmetrical proportions for a balanced stance – while riding tough terrains like mud, sand or rocks – aided by its massive treaded wheels with retractable flaps for superior traction control and high ground clearance. It can also move forward in autonomous mode with the four LiDAR sensors doing all the fancy work of analyzing what lies ahead. The EV uses a state-of-the-art GPS navigation system and in places where there’s no connectivity, the intelligent system uses the position of the stars to navigate accurately.

On the inside is where the undeniable USP of Van Life is evident. There are two seats and the rear has space for storing camping essentials. The benches can be folded out and slid out of the vehicle to enjoy the outdoors and extend the living area even further. Restful sleep during the night is also guaranteed with a modular arrangement that makes maximum use of space.

Then there is the orbital frame that embodies most of the interior and is used for attaching or detaching necessary items at will. Anything from a bag or smartphone to a tray or hammock. The sun’s energy-absorbing orbital frame doubles as a power source for juicing up electrical systems or onboard gadgets. Although the side windows are a bit claustrophobic, the panoramic sunroof makes up for it.

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This stunning electric supercar bunny hops in the air and can drive with a missing wheel

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While the Lamborghini Huracan, Porsche 911 or Aton Martin Valhalla might be on your A list (if you can afford it) or set as your PC wallpaper (if you can’t), this wonder supercar will live in your subconscious for long enough to not ignore.

Chinese automotive group BYD under its luxury sub-brand Yangwang, has revealed a fully-electric supercar that has more tricks up its sleeve than you would presume. The Yangwang U9 EV boasts DiSus-X vehicle body control system that the automaker claims to be the most advanced of its type in the global industry. All this while keeping in mind the production-ready supercar is not just a concept or prototype.

Designer: BYD

The electric supercar set to debut later this year stole all the limelight at the Shanghai Motor Show, and is here to catch the Prancing Horses or the Raging Bulls off guard with features that’ll make any motorhead go bonkers. The car’s chassis and kinetic power of the Disus-X suspension system lend it the ability to bunny hop like a low rider on steroids – readying itself by lowering the stance a little like a predator, and then launching all four wheels off the ground. This ability is attributed to the in-house developed intelligent body control system that’s set the cat among the pigeons for established supercar makers. If that’s not startling enough, U9 can also drive for miles with a missing wheel (if you get a flat tire) thanks to its intelligent suspension system.

Under the hood too this supercar is no slouch either with four electric motors churning out 820kW/1680Nm and a torque ranging from 236 lb-ft and 310 lb-ft per motor, making the car go from 0-60mph in under 2 seconds. If we are to believe BYD, the supercar’s battery gives it an impressive range of 435 miles on a single charge. Other than this, there’s not much revealed by BYD about the supercar, so we’ll have to wait for more information.

When the Yangwang U9 EV will be finally launched sometime later this year in China, it’ll carry a price tag of over ¥1,000,000 ($145,350) which is comparatively affordable when compared to popular supercars from ace brands.

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Origami-inspired Stilride 1 electric scooter is manufactured using sustainable construction processes

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The ancient art of origami involves folding a piece of paper to create intricate 3D shapes inspired by daily objects or living beings around us. So, how about employing the same technique to create an e-bike?

That’s exactly what the Stilride 1 electric scooter is since it’s made by folding a single piece of stainless steel. The makers call this the StillFold technology and we are impressed. Not only is the two-wheeler a piece of art but also environmentally conscious since it’s made using a sustainable construction process. To this accord, not a single piece is welded together to achieve the final shape which gives it another undeniable advantage; that is, ultra-lightweight aesthetics, weighing just 286 pounds including the battery.

Designer: Stilride

The Swedish startup wants to challenge the traditional techniques of automotive manufacturing with its Stilride 1 electric scooter that’s been long in the development and prototype stage. With the USP of being easily recyclable since there are fewer parts, the electric two-wheeler is a refined version of the outfit’s Sport Utility Scooter (1). The ride which somehow seems like the offspring of a Vespa and electric guitar, will eventually be custom manufactured in Stockholm and is all set for 2024 delivery to the clients for a price tag of $16,500. The first batch of the scooters will be called “Limited Founders Edition” and each one of them will be numbered.

From the side profile, the Stilride 1 resembles a swan swimming in water courtesy of the pointed looks and the seemingly feathered tail. The rear wheel-driven electric scooter is powered by an air-cooled 8kW hub motor that churns out 207 pound-feet of peak torque and hurls the ride to a top speed of 60 mph. According to Stilride, the 5.1 kWh battery can squeeze 75 miles on a single charge that’s more than enough for city commuting.

According to Tue Beijer, CTO and co-founder of Stilride, “The Stilride 1 is the culmination of many years’ ambition, passion and experimentation. It has been designed for both the motorcycle enthusiast and the design and sustainability purist. We can’t wait for our first customers to experience the pure joy of our ride and join us in setting a new gold standard for sustainable electromobility.” The maker describes the e-bike as a game-changer in its competing market and is surely the “next step in the electric mobility revolution.”

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Hyundai NINE concept luxury sedan boasts lounge seating area in the boot

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As we transition towards a clean future with electric vehicles, luxury is not going to take a backseat by any stretch of the imagination. Hyundai is also homing in on the trend of futuristic concepts that don’t compromise luxury in any way, and the Hyundai NINE concept sedan is another perfect iteration.

The sleek design of concept cars we’ve seen by the South Korean automotive giant demonstrates the shift in branding, and this ultra-luxurious sedan by a duo of designers is yet another good example. This concept design is in no way associated with Hyundai and is a mere ideation that aims to catch the attention of automotive designers from around the globe for a vision of the future.

Designer: Jeesoo Kim and Yunsik Kim

Hyundai NINE concept premium sedan draws inspiration from the company’s flamboyant Grandeur concept from the 1980s. The vehicle is powered by a powerful electric drivetrain and has an aerodynamic design for optimized reduction in drag coefficient to extend the total range even further. Carrying the DNA of a station wagon and adopting the elements of a sports car, the NINE has wraparound headlights and taillights to amplify the futuristic appeal.

There are no visible hinges on the exterior for aerodynamic efficiency, even the side mirrors have been ditched for minimalist pop-out cameras. The front section gives up on the grille for a uber futuristic panel with the headlights hiding in design. Tail end of the concept sedan is topped by a transparent diffuser to further reduce air turbulence. While the EV seems to have a muted aero-kitted sports car aesthetic, everything is balanced well to not be overkill.

The designers imagine this luxury Hyundai sedan to ride on aero-inspired four-arm wheels. Those rear ones are covered by the bodywork thereby smoothing the airflow further. That said, the most noticeable feature of NINE is the boot section which hides a lounge seat for relaxing during long, grueling journeys. This section can be revealed with the push of the buttons as the wraparound LED taillights pivot around to give way to the space.

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This BMW M1 redesign brings the iconic supercar into the modern age with a cutting-edge aesthetic

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Touted as one of the rarest models BMW has ever built, the M1 is the German marque’s sole supercar dating back to the 70s. It hasn’t been recreated since, and BMW pretty much never made a supercar again (whether the i8 classifies as one remains a big debate), but designer Grimaud Gervex decided to give the good ol’ M1 a contemporary facelift. Following the M1’s template but consciously opting for sharper lines, tighter curves, and an overall meaner aesthetic, the redesigned BMW M1 looks right out of a sci-fi graphic novel, with an overall futuristic flavor that’s still somehow innately BMW.

Designer: Grimaud Gervex

The car’s silhouette and especially its front are unmistakably inspired by the M1’s wedge-shaped design and slick, cutting-edge front. Unlike its predecessor, however, the M1 redesign doesn’t have pop-up headlights but instead relies on two LED strips on the front that serve as headlights, along with a minimalist, glowing BMW logo. Très futuristic.

Yet another detail to go missing, or rather to evolve into something else, is BMW’s signature kidney grilles. While one can only assume that this M1 redesign concept is electric, Grimaud decided to merge the grilles right into the air intakes around the headlights. They’re still there, but in a way that feels more visually present than the significantly tinier grilles on the original M1.

The LED-strip headlights are complemented by a similar-looking set of indicators right in front of the wheels.

The rest of the redesigned M1 cleverly balances traditional details with creative futurism. The renewed design comes with the same black line cutting right through the side of the car, giving it a sense of speed and forward-moving dynamism, and there’s some similarity in the quarter-window’s design too. The rear windscreen also houses the same slatted grille as the original M1… however the entire rear feels like a complete visual overhaul, with a piercingly slim taillight that runs around the edge of the rectangular backside of the car. While the original had two BMW logos above each taillight, the redesign instead has the embossed initials BMW on the metal plate.

What really makes the new M1 feel futuristic is its design and surface treatment. You’ve got a lighter, tighter form factor with razor-sharp edges and extremely thin parting lines between panels, resulting in a seamlessness that looks nothing like production cars from decades ago. The body kit gives the M1 a more low-hanging personality with a much lower ground clearance as compared to the original M1. I don’t know how to feel about that metallic paint job because, between the DeLorean, Cybertruck, IONIQ concepts, and a few other modern cars, it feels a little overdone. Maybe a white with blue accents instead?

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This BMW Scrambler concept was envisioned in both ICE and E-bike versions

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Proportionally different from the scramblers we’ve seen in the past, the BMW G7 Scrambler concept has a commanding aesthetic with a Z-shaped frame, a bottom-heavy design, a cantilever seat, and a headlight that embodies the phrase “if looks could kill”. Designed by Canada-based Anssi Mustonen, this unique-looking concept explores a direction that we’ve honestly never seen before – it comes in a choice between having a fuel-based and electric powertrain. Both the variants look exactly identical on the outside, but have different guts, with an ICE in one, and a battery and electric motor in another.

Designer: Anssi Mustonen

A look at the internal-combustion engine variant of the G7 Scrambler

We’re big fans of BMW’s original scrambler, the R nineT, especially for its adaptability and all the custom designs it’s spawned. The G7 doesn’t quite look as open to customization as its sibling, given how blockish its forms are and their positioning. Moreover, while the R NineT felt almost like the perfect blank canvas for others to experiment on, the G7 Scrambler has such a strong aesthetic that it looks better untouched.

The e-bike variant of the G7 Scrambler comes with a battery pack and a fan-cooled motor

While scramblers are known to have a reputation for being more outdoorsy and the kind to be used to dirt, dust, and terrain, the G7 takes on a much more sophisticated design aesthetic that looks more suited to an urban setting. Sure, the bike comes with some absolutely gnarly-looking tires, but the rest of the vehicle blurs the edges between dirt-bike and a Motorrad-style racer. However, you won’t see me complaining!

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