EVOLV, an all-new compact and highly efficient ‘last mile’ electric quadricycle demonstrator with a cubic load capacity rivalling mid-size vans, has been revealed at Cenex Expo 2024. Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design have drawn on their collective design, engineering and prototype/low volume manufacturing expertise to produce EVOLV, the first working demonstrator, just 12 months on from the project attracting support from the APC. For its next phase, Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design have founded ELM Mobility, a new company that aims to put a last mile EV into UK production in 2028.
With more urban areas creating clean air zones and rising online sales, logistics firms and retailers are increasingly seeking versatile, zero-emission vehicles to satisfy growing demand for ‘last mile’ deliveries. With current vehicles falling short in terms of reliability, safety, driver comfort and payload volume, or are simply too large and costly for the task in hand, Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design, who have previously collaborated, set out to create a credible and more efficient solution.
EVOLV was one of 10 recipients carefully selected to receive a share of the APC’s £22.7 million investment in ‘fast-start projects for the accelerated development of automotive products with a potential route to market’. Prodrive’s in-house capability to design, develop and produce high quality production intent parts in low volume, and assemble and evaluate a vehicle, ensured it was possible to achieve the APC’s requirement to display a demonstrator just one year later.
Recognising the potential of such a vehicle, Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design have entered into a new joint venture to take this concept into production. Launched on 4 September 2024, ELM Mobility aims to create the first ground-up, fit-for-purpose last mile delivery platform, making a positive difference to cities around the world.
“We have a clear vision for ELM Mobility to be a leader in zero emission last mile transport,” adds Roche, also co-CEO of ELM Mobility. “Together with Astheimer, we have assembled a talented team comprising logistics specialists, designers and engineers to identify, solve and deliver solutions that will make a difference to this segment. We have already made significant progress, drawing on the brilliant minds across the two businesses to get a working demonstrator running in under 12 months.”
“ELM Mobility was created with the intention to deliver game-changing efficiency for our customers with small, lightweight electric vehicles,” says Astheimer, also co-CEO of ELM Mobility. “Astheimer and Prodrive has a rich history in developing commercial vehicles together, and the idea of developing a purpose-built last mile delivery vehicle came to us as a result of these projects and insights. Funding from the Niche Vehicle Network, the APC and a private investor has supported us along the way to this point of proving out the concept by developing an initial prototype to physically demonstrate the vehicle attributes and to get market feedback. ELM Mobility has been created to take the concept to market, and to become an iconic UK brand.”
Created to showcase the architecture and be fully representative of its size and features, the EVOLV demonstrator will now be used to progress ongoing discussions with stakeholders and potential customers in logistics, retailing and food deliveries.
Next, ELM Mobility will take the project into the production readiness phase ahead of certification. Pre-series production vehicles will be trialled by customers, with start of UK production planned for 2028. Prices are expected to start from around £25,000.
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