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August 2011
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Gevco's plan to bring a range of white label electric vehicles to market by 2015 have moved a step closer with its launch of design and technical specifications for its first vehicle, the i-Mav.
 The revelation follows a six month programme of work with MIRA, which the partners describe as a clean sheet solution to low carbon urban transportation. And although initially aimed at the small car market, the partners are also talking in terms of "a very light and nippy commercial vehicle, such as a flatbed truck or small van".
"i-Mav is one the most technologically advanced EVs currently in development," states Jonathan Hunt, MIRA's senior global sales manager for EV and HEV.
"Designed from the ground up for electric traction [not an adapted petrol derivative] it incorporates technologies that will make it competitive with conventionally powered vehicles in quality, cost, design and safety terms," he asserts.
Hunt explains that the i-Mav is an EV capable of being manufactured in any market around the world, to meet global homologation requirements, and takes into account materials as well as component costs and access to supply chains.
The partners also say they have adopted "appropriate next generation" technologies – such as an electromagnetic geared motor that requires no gearbox, which Gevco says will reduce cost, weight and complexity. There will also be an aluminium-air battery, claimed to be significantly cheaper to produce, yet delivering higher energy density than current alternatives, and delivering a range of 430 miles.
The i-Mav is 135mm shorter and 126kg lighter than a Toyota iQ and capable of seating four adults in comfort, yet delivers a four-star Euro NCAP rating (based on 2012 requirements), thanks to an innovative, platform with the flexibility to support future commercial or roadster variants.
"The company's innovative business model presents an opportunity for new entrants to the EV sector to leapfrog the established automotive businesses in their own markets," states Gevco founder and CEO Steve Woolley.
"The i-Mav and our white label approaches reduce the main barriers to market entry [set-up costs and risk] through a business model that facilitates technology transfer and enables any major international corporation to assemble, distribute and sell a competitive market-ready vehicle under their own-brand," he explains.
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Author
John Challen
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