Prodrive and Astheimer debut last mile vehicle demonstrator at Cenex Expo 2024
EVOLV, an all-new compact and highly efficient ‘last mile’ electric quadricycle demonstrator with a cubic load capacity rivalling mid-size vans, has been revealed at Cenex Expo 2024. which is taking place today and tomorrow at Millbrook near Bedford.
Banbury-based Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design in Warwick have drawn on their collective design, engineering and prototype/low volume manufacturing expertise to produce EVOLV, the first working demonstrator.
For its next phase, Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design have founded ELM Mobility, a new company that aims to put a last mile EV into UK production in 2028.
Logistics firms and retailers are increasingly seeking versatile, zero-emission vehicles to satisfy growing demand for ‘last mile’ deliveries. Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design, who have previously collaborated, have set out to create a credible and more efficient solution.
The vision was to create the most capable, safe and efficient L7e category quadricycle (weighing under 600kg excluding batteries), which can be driven with a standard car licence. At just 3,240mm long, 1,450mm wide, 2,150mm high and weighing 850kg with batteries, the compact EVOLV has two configurable load areas providing 4m³ of load space, achieving 60 per cent of overall vehicle volume.
“EVOLV demonstrates how our collective innovative design and engineering can push the boundaries of what a last mile EV can achieve,” said Dr Iain Roche the CEO at Prodrive Advanced Technology. “With EVOLV, a compact footprint can go hand-in-hand with serious capability and efficiency. EVOLV offers the best of both worlds, injecting versatility without compromise into a logistics fleet.”
Carsten Astheimer, founder and creative director, Astheimer Design, said: “Everything about the design of EVOLV is fit-for-purpose. It’s lightweight, robust and simple, which fits harmoniously with the Astheimer Design philosophy of removing everything superfluous. The result is iconic in its simplicity, with the platform adaptable to the individual needs of each customer.”
EVOLV was one of 10 recipients to receive a share of the Advanced Propulsion Centre's (APC)’s £22.7 million investment in ‘fast-start projects for the accelerated development of automotive products with a potential route to market’. Prodrive’s in-house capability to design, develop and produce high quality production intent parts in low volume, and assemble and evaluate a vehicle, ensured it was possible to achieve the APC’s requirement to display a demonstrator just one year later.
Iain, who is also also co-CEO of ELM Mobility, added: “We have a clear vision for ELM Mobility to be a leader in zero emission last mile transport.
"Together with Astheimer, we have assembled a talented team comprising logistics specialists, designers and engineers to identify, solve and deliver solutions that will make a difference to this segment. We have already made significant progress, drawing on the brilliant minds across the two businesses to get a working demonstrator running in under 12 months.”
Created to showcase the architecture and be fully representative of its size and features, the EVOLV demonstrator will now be used to progress ongoing discussions with stakeholders and potential customers in logistics, retailing and food deliveries.
Next, ELM Mobility will take the project into the production readiness phase ahead of certification. Pre-series production vehicles will be trialled by customers, with start of UK production planned for 2028. Prices are expected to start from around £25,000.
