more diversified and convenient personal utility model
is at hand in some places and certainly likely to spread
as a general trend in the not-too-distant future.
Speaking of diverse mobility systems, this provides a
segue to the “fusion” vehicle; that is, an electric vehicle
capable of both driving about the community and the
dash-into-town or more distant locations.
The “do-it-all” personal mobility vehicle
There are a number of start-up companies that are
pushing the envelop in personal mobility. I mention
two here, but there are others that a little bit of brows-
ing would reveal. These are electric vehicles capable
of highway speeds, but with the positive attributes of
smallness, full automotive features, including ad-
vanced electronics, and avant garde styling.
The first example is the Uniti electric vehicle from
Sweden. Scheduled for production in early 2019, here
are the specs:
The second vehicle is an
American-made vehicle
from AEV Technolo-
gies out of Austin,
TX, the 311, a
three-wheeler.
The specs, as
published on
the company’s
website, are as
follows:
• Motor (HP Kw): 10.9/8.0
• Top speed: 50+ m.p.h.
• Range: 50 miles
• Brakes: Disc
• Automotive standard steering
• Front wheel drive
• Front suspension: Double A-Arm independent
• Rear suspension: Rigid fork, swinging arm
• Length: 122 inches; Width: 56 inches; Height:
66 inches
• Frame: Coated steel
• Payload capacity: Two passengers
The 311 comes fully-enclosed, half-enclosed side pan-
els and open, thus having option of openness that so
many of us like in our golf cars.
Advances in mobility: The secret is in the mix
The Five-Passenger Uniti
Range:
• Up to 300km (190 mile) range (22kWh battery)
• Swappable auxiliary battery to charge in any normal
power outlet – enough capacity to drive 30 km (19
miles)
Charging
• Home fast charging (AC) 3hrs 10mins = full charge
(300km—190 mile--range)
• DC charging 200km (125 mile) range in 30mins
• Induction charging
• Solar panel roof for trickle-charging
Driving characteristics
• 0-80kmph (50 m.p.h.) in 3.5 seconds in sports mode
• Top speed up to 130kmph (80 m.p.h.)
• Suitable for both city and highway driving
• Electronic steering
• Rated 5 stars for safety by NCPA (European New Car
Assessment Program)
One additional feature is that the Uniti comes in a
5-passenger model, meaning that it can accommodate
a family and/or provide space for luggage or groceries.
As a final note, major advances in personal mobility
will come about as a combination of initiatives and
programs, a significant number of them driven by
legislation and utility participation. Basic to everything
else is the establishment and spread of an electrifica-
tion infrastructure, based on grid-connected charging
systems (Level 2 and above). And remember that the
seed bed of major growth could well be individually
and community based systems.
Battery technology, which is not covered in this article,
will play a significant role, both as a component of the
vehicle’s powertrain, and as a local or grid-based stor-
age system. In the latter case battery storage acts as
load leveler to ward off peak hour electricity demand,
which could result in brown-outs and black-outs. Such
storage systems are being extensively tested in Califor-
nia, as well as internationally. Notably, these integrat-
ed systems should result in lower electricity rates.
Finally, the vehicles themselv