University of Portsmouth Alumni Magazine - 3 Edition 3 | Page 11

The Rasa by Riversimple Movement Ltd

POWERING THE PLANET ’ S MOST SUSTAINABLE CARS

Consumer surveys show three reasons why people haven ’ t yet made the switch to electric cars . They know a move away from fossil fuels could make a big impact in the fight against climate change . But they ’ re worried about the cost , reliability and range of electric vehicles .

Riversimple Movement Ltd believe they have the answer . As Finance Director Chris Foxall BEng ( Hons ) ’ 97 puts it ‘ let ’ s make it easy , convenient and affordable for consumers to make the right choices ’. To achieve this , Chris and his colleagues have developed a business model as innovative as their flagship vehicle , the Rasa .
‘ I ’ d imagine at this point , we ’ re the most sustainable car company on the planet ,’ says Chris . ‘ We ’ re part of what ’ s now called the circular economy . We think about the resources we ’ re using , the durability and longevity of our vehicles , and how they impact the community and our customers . We design more responsible , more sustainable vehicles ’.
The Rasa electric car runs on hydrogen , which Chris says is a greener choice than the commoner lithium battery because , ‘ in the long run , you can get hydrogen without having to mine it .’ It takes just 1.5kg of hydrogen to travel 300 miles in a Rasa . Another significant benefit is the dramatic weight reduction hydrogen allows . Unlike a big , heavy battery , the Rasa ’ s lightweight powertrain and chassis means a big reduction in particulates coming off tyres and brakes .
Speaking of the chassis , Riversimple have talked to researchers at the University of Portsmouth who are exploring sustainable composite materials for the transport sector . The goal is to build with what Chris calls ‘ closed-loop polymer-based materials that can be reused and recycled .’ Led by Professor Hom Dhakal , the Advanced Polymers and Composites Research Group explore innovative materials for use in product development and manufacturing - from natural fibre composites to biocomposites .
Riversimple ’ s environmental credentials certainly stack up . But it ’ s the offer to consumers that could see the Rasa and its successors really make a difference . Chris and team have designed a subscription model over the life of the vehicle , which they estimate at around 20 years : ‘ Insurance , fuel , maintenance : everything ’ s included in one monthly fee .’ He expects the cost to be similar to running a conventional car .
At time of writing , Rasas are being trialled in Abergavenny and Milford Haven , with more trials expected ahead of a planned rollout to market in 2024 . Next up is a major recruitment drive for engineers , while architects are briefed to design ‘ the most sustainable car manufacturing plant on the planet , ever ’. It should be the first of many , because Riversimple have innovative and ambitious ideas about their manufacturing and service operation :
‘ Sustainability goes beyond the environment , to social sustainability . We look at spreading jobs wider into more communities . We ’ ll have fulfilment , maintenance , recovery and recycling at small manufacturing sites around the UK .’
His passion for sustainability in-theround is ultimately what drew Chris to Riversimple . After graduating from Portsmouth he discovered a talent for investment banking , which led to a 15-year career on Wall Street . Chris says , ‘ When I returned from the States , I set about a couple of things . One was investing in Welsh companies that were thinking about sustainability . The other was to help regenerate the economy in Wales , where I grew up .’
If Riversimple can persuade drivers that they ’ ve solved the cost , reliability and range objections keeping consumers away from electric vehicles , they ’ ll balance a truly powerful equation : reducing emissions while renewing communities . What a ride it will be .
Chris Foxall