Electric Assisted Vehicles turns to Saietta to supply of advanced axial flux motors for its revolutionary urban vehicle

Electric Assisted Vehicles Limited (EAV), the sustainable zero-emissions transport manufacturer based at Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire, has confirmed a development and technology supply agreement with motor design and manufacturing company, and neighbour at Upper Heyford, Saietta Group Plc for its latest AFT 140 in-hub axial flux electric motors.

Saietta Group’s motors will power EAV’s LINCS super lightweight skateboard platform which is currently being engineered and developed by EAV.  The platform contains unique EAV-designed enclosed Li-ion batteries and is the basis of the new multi-purpose modular vehicle.

Adam Barmby, CEO and Founder of EAV, said: “Quite simply, this is the beginning of the end for the van.

“The LINCS is a light commercial vehicle which operates as a multi-purpose platform transforming the way we move people and goods around in urban environments. Deployed in logistics, it can act as a fully dynamic ‘hub-and-spoke’ mobile depot vehicle, delivering EAV RoRo boxes to EAV cargo fleets in various dynamic locations such as forecourts or car parks removing the need for expensive inner-city real estate.  This significantly reduces depot to delivery distances and increases operational efficiency within the last mile.

"Packages are delivered faster and cheaper.  LINCS can also operate as a simple covered urban van, open pick-up, or drop side.  The uniqueness of the design and engineering is in its versatility, packaging, light weight, robust strength and in the understanding of current and future urban transport operations which we’ve already been successfully developing with our current EAV models.”

With a range of up to 100 miles within an urban or intra-urban environment, the super lightweight LINCS has a capacity of 1000kgs which equals any current LCV but with infinitely more adaptability of use.  The driver’s cab can be located either on the left or righthand side of the LINCS, depending on the market, and is equipped with ‘EAVAdvancedÔ’ driving controls and in-cab systems.  Importantly, LINCS has been designed for future fully autonomous operations in development with EAV’s leading technology partners.  LINCS will also feature a ‘Road train’ capability where, on inter-urban or urban deployments, multiple LINCS can be connected into a single autonomous vehicle.

“The technology development and supply agreement with Saietta Group Plc is a crucial step in the development and introduction of this ground-breaking new vehicle.” commented Nigel Gordon-Stewart, Executive Chairman at EAV.  “Saietta’s work on Axial Flux electric motors is way ahead of the curve and, with their in-wheel application, we’re able to use maximum space on the platform deck so we can carry more goods more efficiently.  We’re also able to develop the chassis, suspension and steering of LINCS to new standards to be ultra-low maintenance and highly effective in urban locations where minimal impact on infrastructure is vital.  LINCS is the ideal replacement for vans operating in towns and city centres and a key part of EAV’s Transport Futures vision.”

LINCS is now in prototype build with extensive testing due to take place beginning in March 2022.  Customer deliveries are due to commence at the beginning of 2023.