self-driving on-call neighborhood electric vehicles, for
example? Such a fleet could be of great value to older
residents, or handicapped individuals, dependent on
others to drive them about. At the same time, autono-
mous vehicle technology from sensory and actuator
systems to software could be tested and refined in a
less-demanding environment than that of a high-traffic,
city street or highway.
It should be noted that this sort of testing would not only
focus on mechanical functioning, but also have the
benefit of gathering data on user reactions. So often,
when a product is in development, the ingenuity of the
functioning parts and achievement of operating objec-
tives completely overshadows research into the market
to see whether consumers really want the product.
Versatility vs. specialization
When it comes to mobility solutions and what consumers
want, there is the ever-present tug-of-war between
versatility of use and specialization. Our on-road vehicles
have loads of versatility. They can go considerable
distances, are usable under all manner of climatic
conditions, and can navigate a wide range of terrain from
highways to unpaved thoroughfares. Several problems
arise as a by-product of their use, however: most are
large, clogging highways and using up parking spaces,
they cause thousands of injuries and fatalities each year,
and they are polluting. These are precisely the issues
that all these future transportation systems are involved
with and which the Maas concept is addressing.
A golf car-type vehicle, by contrast, has none of these
by-product drawbacks, but it lacks versatility of its
on-road brethren. Two things have to happen to the golf
car-type vehicle to make up for the lack of versatility and
the avoidance of the drawbacks of the on-roads. The
keyword is modification. Here are some examples that
move the versatility factor forward.
AEV Technologies—the 311: Commuter focus, campus,
community and cross-town travel
This is an electric drivetrain, tandem two-seater, capable
of 50+ miles on a charge and speed of up to 50 mph. It
benefits from being classified as a motorcycle in most
States, because of its three-wheel design. AEV Technolo-
gies is a U.S.-based manufacturer, headquartered in
Austin, TX. The base model goes for just under $10K, and
features front wheel drive, A-arm front suspension,
automotive steering and controls, LED lighting with turn
signals, and it comes with a fully-enclosed cabin for
all-season driving and comfort.
Eli Electric Vehicles, Inc.—The Eli Zero
AEV Technologies 311 Commuter Car
The Eli Zero The company, which is co-headquartered in
Long Beach, CA and Beijing, China where the vehicles are
manufactured, is now taking reservations for the Eli Zero.
The plan is to deliver the first 100 vehicles by the end of
2018. The first 100 customers reserving a vehicle will
receive a discount of $2,200 off the expected MSRP of
$9,900 to $10,900.
The vehicles are targeting the urban mobility space. The
base model is expected to have a 55-mile range and the
Plus model with a larger battery will have an 85-mile
range. The Eli Zero will be using Samsung 18650 lithium
cells in the battery pack. Like all NEVs the top speed is
limited to 25 mph.
The vehicle is powered by a 6.0 or 8.3 kWh, 48-volt AC
power and drive system with regenerative braking.
Doors made from a single sheet of thermoplastic-rein-
forced tempered glass, allowing maximum vision. The
vehicle is equipped with LED lighting with turn signals.
There is limited storage space behind the two, side-by-
side seats.
The Uniti One from Sweden
The Uniti, designed and built by a start-up Swedish
company, has for purpose, according to the company,
The vehicle employs a 22kW lithium-ion battery, with a
range of 200 kilometers (125 miles) on a single charge. As
yet there are no other performance figures from Uniti,
but the company states that using Uniti’s fast charger, the
One can be charged from 0 to 90 percent in just 20
minutes, and a full charge will take 40 minutes. Using a
standard wall charger will take about 3 hours to fully
charge.
The vehicle One has no steering wheel, but rather,
employs two joysticks instead to accelerate/decelerate
and steer. A “proper” steering wheel is an option. The
company also states that the One will have Level 4
autonomous capabilities, clearly making it a distinctive,
cutting edge small vehicle. Uniti will be sold directly
online and delivered to your door, or through consumer
electronics retail environments. First deliveries are
targeted for 2019.
While still in prototype stage and looking for investors,
the company has, nonetheless, accomplished some
important milestones. And the vehicle gives a strong
flavor for what is coming down the pike in the not-too-
distant future.
So,ready to trade in your Club Car, E-Z-GO, or Yamaha
PTV? Well, maybe not quite yet.
The Eli Zero LSV
The Uniti One from Sweden
APRIL 2018
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