Product Description
The aCar is a four-wheel drive, fully electric utility vehicle developed and manufactured in Germany by EVUM Motors. The idea was developed as part of a research project on solutions for low and middle-income countries at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). It is a modular design, capable of carrying loads up to 1000 kg, with options for a tiltable load bed or a closed box for a range of outdoor and indoor applications. EVUM started manufacturing the vehicle in 2020 in Germany, with plans to expand to the international market in 2021.
Market Suggested Retail Price
$68,998.00
Distributors / Implementing Organizations
Manufacturing/Building Method
EVUM is making the vehicle at their plant in the town of Bayerbach in Bavaria. Production started in 2020 with first deliveries being made in 2021.
Intellectural Property Type
Trademarked
User Provision Model
Users can configure and purchase a vehicle on the manufacturer’s website.
Distributions to Date Status
Production of the vehicles started in 2020 with the first deliveries being made in 2021.
Design Specifications
The aCar is fully electric, with a modular lithium-ion battery setup and operating voltage of 48 V. It has a 200 km range, a top speed of 70 km/h and 1000 kg payload. The truck has a modular design, meaning that it can quickly be converted from a tilting flatbed or closed box unit. It is 1.5 m in width, 4 m in length and 2 m high. It is suitable for driving indoors and outdoors and on and off-road as it is designed to handle steep terrain and loose driving surfaces. An optional solar panel on the roof can provide battery support and more range. The battery can be recharged within seven hours at an earthed socket.
Technical Support
Provided by the manufacturer.
Replacement Components
The company is working with BayWa on the distribution of spare parts. Interview with manufacturer in 2020
Lifecycle
Unknown
Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters
The manufacturer aims to provide affordable and sustainable e-mobility for all by creating an electric utility vehicle which can be financed and manufactured in every country.
Vetted Performance Status
The manufacturer estimates a reduction of 82% in operating costs, 28% in inspection and maintenance costs and 14% in costs for insurance and taxes. They also estimate a reduction in CO2 emissions of 76% compared to leading industry-standard utility vehicles and taking manufacturing and operating emissions into account. As of 2020, The Siemens Foundation is conducting testing on the aCar in Kenya to assist fishermen and transport water along Lake Victoria.
Safety
The EVUM aCar generates no CO2 emissions during operation so is safe for indoor use.
Complementary Technical Systems
Add-ons such as a winch, a hitch and a solar panel for battery support are available.
Academic Research and References
Soltes, M., Koberstaedt, S., Lienkamp, M., Rauchbart and S. Frenkler, F., 2018, “aCar – A Vehicle Concept for Sub-Saharan Africa,” Proceedings of the EAI International Conference for Research, Innovation and Development for Africa, April, 2018, pp. 1–9.
Schmidt M., Zehelein T. and Lienkamp M, 2019, “Chassis design of the aCar – a light commercial vehicle for Sub-Saharan Africa: chassis,” 9th International Munich Chassis Symposium 2018, P. Pfeffer, eds, Springer Vieweg, Wiesbaden, Germany pp. 89-104.
Compliance with regulations
Street legal in N1 vehicle category.
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