Prodrive and Astheimer Unveil Groundbreaking 'EVOLV' Electric Quadricycle for Efficient Last Mile Deliveries
Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design have unveiled EVOLV at the Cenex Expo 2024, a compact, highly efficient 'last mile' electric quadricycle with a cubic load capacity that rivals mid-size vans. Just 12 months after securing support from the APC, they produced the first working demonstrator of EVOLV. They have established ELM Mobility, a company dedicated to launching this last-mile EV into UK production by 2028.
As urban areas increasingly implement clean air zones and online sales continue to rise, logistics companies and retailers urgently seek versatile, zero-emission vehicles to meet the surging demand for 'last mile' deliveries. Existing vehicles often fall short in reliability, safety, driver comfort, and payload volume or are too large and expensive for the required tasks. Leveraging their prior collaboration, Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design set out to create a credible, more efficient solution.
They envisioned the most capable, safe, and efficient L7e category quadricycle, which weighs under 600kg (excluding batteries) and can be driven with a standard car licence. Despite its compact dimensions of 3,240mm in length, 1,450mm in width, and 2,150mm in height, and weighing 850kg with batteries, EVOLV offers a surprising four m³ of load space from two configurable areas, making up 60 per cent of the vehicle’s total volume.
EVOLV's unique design maximises load space while minimising the driver's cabin. It boasts double the load box volume compared to other L7e vehicles and is half the weight of a compact van with a similar load volume. This makes it the most cost and energy-efficient vehicle in its class.
The main load area of EVOLV can accommodate a 1.6m tall Euro pallet with a 300kg payload and features secure self-locking sliding doors for easy access. The secondary load area, accessed through rear 'barn doors', provides space for a 1.2m tall Euro pallet with a 200kg payload. This versatility and spacious load capacity distinguish EVOLV in the L7e category.
Prioritising safety, Prodrive Advanced Technology engineered EVOLV to meet the N1 (small van) passive safety crash standards, covering front, side, and roof crash performance, pedestrian impact, and driver safety requirements.
The design of EVOLV is purpose-built: it's lightweight, robust, and simple, embodying Astheimer Design’s philosophy of eliminating the superfluous. Its three intersecting volumes are unique and iconic, streamlined to maximise efficiency and functionality. The skateboard-style chassis accommodates a 1.6m high 300kg Euro pallet.
Designed with driver ergonomics in mind, the interior offers a comfortable work environment with an intuitive user interface, facilitating seamless transitions between drivers. The central driver seat enhances access and visibility, simplifying the variants for UK and European markets. The flexible platform is adaptable to customer-specific requirements.
With a tight 7.8m turning radius—comparable to a London taxi—EVOLV is highly manoeuvrable in urban settings. It features robust, easily replaceable modular body panels and fared-in headlights to enhance durability and reduce maintenance needs.
Anticipating last-mile EV duty cycles, the engineers specified a 20kWh battery, achieving a 100-mile range and a top speed of 50mph. Other capacities are under consideration for future production models. Designed for overnight charging with a Type-2 connector, EVOLV can charge from 20 to 80 per cent in less than two hours.
Optional equipment includes a stable pallet truck capable of lifting 300kg, ensuring that EVOLV’s operators can efficiently deliver goods directly to customers’ doors.
Dr Iain Roche, CEO of Prodrive Advanced Technology, emphasised, “EVOLV demonstrates our innovative design and engineering prowess, setting new standards in the last mile EV sector with its compact size, significant capability, and efficiency.”
Carsten Astheimer, founder and creative director of Astheimer Design, stated, “EVOLV’s design is purposefully robust, lightweight, and simple, reflecting our philosophy of simplicity and functionality, adaptable to each customer’s unique needs.”
EVOLV was one of ten initiatives to receive a share of the APC’s £22.7 million investment in 'fast-start projects' aimed at the accelerated development of automotive products with market potential. Prodrive’s comprehensive capability in designing, developing, and producing high-quality, production-intent parts in low volumes enabled the rapid presentation of the EVOLV demonstrator within a year.
Recognising the potential of such a vehicle, Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design have entered a joint venture to advance this concept to production. Launched on 4 September 2024, ELM Mobility aims to establish a pioneering, fit-for-purpose last-mile delivery platform poised to significantly impact global cities.
“We are committed to positioning ELM Mobility as a leader in zero-emission last mile transport,” added Roche, also co-CEO of ELM Mobility. “Together with Astheimer, we have brought together a skilled team to identify, address, and deliver efficient solutions for this market segment. We have made considerable progress, developing a working demonstrator in under 12 months.”
Astheimer, also co-CEO of ELM Mobility, concluded, “ELM Mobility was founded to deliver unparalleled efficiency with our compact, lightweight electric vehicles. Our extensive experience developing commercial vehicles informed our decision to create a bespoke last-mile delivery vehicle, supported by funding from the Niche Vehicle Network, the APC, and a private investor.”
As discussions with stakeholders and potential customers in logistics, retail, and food delivery continue, the EVOLV demonstrator will play a crucial role in advancing the project to the production readiness phase. Customer trials and UK production are set to commence in 2028. Prices are expected to start from around £25,000.
