Helixx, a UK-based company, revealed the successful creation of their cutting-edge electric delivery vehicle, marking a significant milestone in their quest to revolutionize global manufacturing processes. This innovative development promises to make manufacturing more cost-effective and accessible worldwide.
Designed as a compact solution for densely populated cities and emerging economies, Helixx's electric delivery vehicle boasts a remarkable construction. The vehicle's body is entirely crafted from a recyclable polymer, eliminating the need for costly and carbon-intensive steel. Impressively, the vehicle's shell consists of only five parts that effortlessly “click and bond” together, streamlining the manufacturing process by up to 50%, according to Helixx.
This streamlined manufacturing not only simplifies assembly but also significantly reduces costs, enabling partners in various regions to establish manufacturing facilities with Helixx's support.
One of the key achievements of this milestone is the validation of Helixx's “first-time-fit” bonding process, eliminating the necessity for stamped metal body panels. Steve Pegg, CEO of Helixx, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “We developed this demonstration vehicle to prove and stress-test the global replicability of our digital-first approach. The vehicle visually represents what licensed Helixx Mobility Hubs can produce in as little as 180 days from initial site survey to vehicles rolling out onto the street.”
The vehicle is built on a hybrid aluminum chassis and offers an impressive 74 cubic feet (2,100 liters) of storage, a hauling capacity of 1,102 lbs (500 kg), and 55 inches (140 cm) of load space. Powering the vehicle are removable Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries designed to provide users with 24 hours of uninterrupted usage. Notably, the centrally located steering wheel ensures compatibility in both left- and right-hand drive markets.
Helixx envisions offering these vehicles to users on a subscription basis, with operating costs as low as $0.25 per hour. In addition to the cargo van, the company plans to introduce a pickup truck and various open and closed body versions for passenger transportation.
With this successful demonstration, Helixx now seeks to gather in-market feedback on the design. Following this phase, they plan to initiate a production run of 100 vehicles at a pilot facility in the UK before expanding their presence with vehicles and factories in Southeast Asia.
