As urban areas continue to tighten regulations on vehicle emissions, the demand for zero-emission delivery solutions is growing. Addressing this need, Elm Mobility, a new initiative by Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design, is developing an innovative electric minivan named Evolv. This compact vehicle is tailored for last-mile delivery, offering a practical alternative to traditional combustion-engine vans in cities increasingly defined by clean air zones.
Compact design with ample cargo space
The Evolv minivan is designed to maximize cargo capacity within a compact frame. Measuring 3,240 mm in length, 1,450 mm in width, and 2,150 mm in height (10.6 x 4.75 x 7 ft), the vehicle is easy to maneuver through congested city streets, thanks to its tight 7.8-meter (25.5 ft) turning circle. Despite its small footprint, the vehicle’s design prioritizes cargo space, allocating 60% of its volume to carrying goods. The total cargo capacity is 4 cubic meters (141.25 cubic feet), distributed across two load areas on a skateboard-style chassis.
The primary cargo space can accommodate a 1.6-meter-tall (5.25 ft) Euro pallet weighing up to 300 kg (660 lb). Additionally, the secondary space can hold packages stacked to a height of 1.2 meters (4 ft) with a total weight of up to 200 kg (440 lb). For added convenience, an optional pallet truck can be stored onboard, allowing drivers to efficiently deliver goods single-handedly to the door.
Safety and efficiency at the forefront
The Evolv is set to operate within the L7e category in Europe, akin to the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) classification in the United States. However, the vehicle’s safety standards surpass the typical requirements for its category. The Evolv has been engineered to meet the N1 small van passive safety crash standards, encompassing front, side, and roof crash performance, as well as pedestrian impact and driver safety requirements. This focus on safety ensures that drivers, pedestrians, and cargo are well-protected during operations.
The minivan’s central driver position, combined with a wraparound windshield, provides optimal visibility for navigating busy streets. A standard car license is sufficient to operate the vehicle, further simplifying its integration into existing delivery fleets.
Optimized for cost and energy efficiency
Elm Mobility positions the Evolv as the “most efficient vehicle in its class,” both in terms of operational costs and energy consumption per unit volume of goods per mile. The vehicle is equipped with a 20-kWh battery pack, delivering a range of up to 160 km (100 miles) on a single charge. This range is adequate for typical last-mile delivery routes, especially since the Evolv is not designed for highway use and has a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Charging the vehicle is also designed to be quick and efficient, with a Type-2 connector enabling a charge from 20% to 80% in less than two hours. This allows for minimal downtime and maximizes the vehicle’s operational hours, a critical factor for logistics companies aiming to maintain high delivery volumes.
Durability and flexibility
The Evolv is not just about efficiency and safety; it also emphasizes durability and adaptability. The minivan features modular body panels that can be easily replaced if damaged, reducing repair costs and minimizing time off the road. The “fared-in” headlights are another example of the vehicle’s robust design, built to withstand the daily rigors of urban delivery without frequent maintenance.
Market entry and future prospects
Unveiled at the Cenex Expo 2024 in Bedfordshire, the Evolv is one of ten projects that received funding from the UK government under the Advanced Route to Market Demonstrator competition. Elm Mobility aims to start production of the Evolv by 2028, with an estimated price of £25,000 per vehicle (approximately $32,900 USD). While specific details on international availability remain unclear, the Evolv is poised to offer a compelling solution for urban delivery fleets seeking to transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Dr. Iain Roche, CEO of Prodrive Advanced Technology, emphasized the vehicle’s innovative design and engineering: “Evolv demonstrates how our collective innovative design and engineering can push the boundaries of what a last-mile EV can achieve. 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 of Astheimer Design, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the vehicle’s purpose-built design: “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.”
Source: Elm Mobility
