With the latest James Bond movie being in the news as it is about to be released worldwide, there is more than usual awareness of Aston Martin which has a number of cars used in the movie ‘No Time to Die’. The carmaker has been publicising its association with the secret agent for decades and even produces a limited run of the DB5 used in ‘Goldfinger’. The cars are equipped like the one in the movie, guns and all, and are virtually similar to those made 55 years ago.
Lunaz Design, a company owned backed by David Beckham, is also benefitting from the publicity associated with Aston Martin. The company is a specialist in converting existing cars to be electrically powered (such conversions are not permitted in Malaysia) and it has announced production of restored, re-engineered and electrified Aston Martin DB6 cars.
They will join the other models offered by the company that include the world’s first and only electric Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Range Rover and Jaguar sportscar models. Customers can also commission Lunaz Design, which is only 3 years old, to convert Aston Martin DB4 and DB5 models.
“The introduction of electric Aston Martin DB6 cars has been driven by sustained demand from our existing clients. It also reflects the desires of an entirely new classic car buyer. These women and men have been drawn to Lunaz because, for the first time, they are presented with the powertrain and modern conveniences of today, clothed in a design that speaks of an era when aesthetic purity was the only requirement,” said David Lorenz, Founder and CEO of the Lunaz Group.
The company is now accepting orders, with deliveries to start in the third quarter of 2023. The prices will depend on customer requirements but Lunaz Design says that each car will cost more than US$1 million (around RM4.2 million). Following confirmation of orders will commence production and the cars can be in lefthand drive or righthand drive.
Each electrified DB6 by Lunaz will undergo an exhaustive bare-metal restoration and re-engineering process. This means clients are assured of the key requirements of usability, reliability and sustainability.
The car will be powered by Lunaz’ proprietary modular electric powertrain, developed entirely in-house. It uses the very highest standard European-sourced Tier-1 OEM battery cells and electric motors. The battery capacity ranges from 80 – 120 kWh and a single charge is said to provide a range of around 400 kms. Lunaz has chosen to fit CCS (Combined Charging System) capability, an internationally accepted system that allows for fast-charging.
With the different and higher performance characteristics compared to the original DB6 produced in the 1960s, the brakes, suspension and steering are all uprated for safety and driveability. Though owners may like the ambience of the original car, interior comfort and convenience are modernised with the provision of air conditioning and inclusion of the latest infotainment and navigation systems along with wifi connectivity.
The design and engineering team is said to be the largest of its kind in the world. The work is overseen by Jen Holloway, the Design Director who is from Aston Martin’s Q-Branch, and Jon Hilton, the Engineering Director who worked across James Bond Aston Martin projects. They lead the team of over 100 engineers, restoration specialists and craftspeople drawn from companies such as Aston Martin, Bentley, F1, Ferrari, Jaguar, Land Rover, McLaren and Rolls-Royce.
The Lunaz conversion facility at Silverstone in England.
Mazda Motor Corporation will be expanding its SUV line-up from 2022 onwards. While the popular CX-5 will remain one of the core models globally, alongside with models such as the CX-30, the company has finalised development of additional models in the Large Product Group.
These models, including two new ones – the CX-60 and CX-80 – will be aimed at European and American markets, together with the new wide-bodied CX-70 and CX-90. The new models will be introduced throughout Europe during the next two years.
Featuring 2-row and 3-row seating, respectively, the CX-60 and CX-80 will also spearhead the European introduction of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models that use 4-cylinder petrol engines combined with an electric motor. There will also be the new generation straight-six SKYACTIV-X petrol engine and SKYACTIV-D turbodiesel engine incorporating a 48V mild hybrid system. These engines will have high output while also achieving excellent environmental performance.
Fully electric MX-30.
The new CX-60 and CX-80 are expected to create positive business growth over the medium to long term. They will make full use of Mazda’s Building Block development and production strategy. This strategy enables the carmaker to efficiently develop and deploy superior technologies by building up a set of fundamental technologies as ‘blocks’. Some of the technologies are already familiar – like SKYACTIV technology – with bundled planning and flexible production.
In addition, during the first half of 2022, a new version of Mazda’s first mass-production EV, the MX-30, will be introduced. This model incorporates multiple electrification technologies that use Mazda’s famed rotary engine as a generator.
From around 2025, the company will introduce a number of new products on a new EV-dedicated platform. With the introduction of these models, Mazda is on track to complete the electrification of its complete range by 2030.
CX-30 and CX-5, two of the Mazda SUVs available in Malaysia.
To know more about Mazda models available in Malaysia, visit www.mazda.com.my.
It seems that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars either cannot contain its own excitement about its new fully electric car or pressure from its customers has persuaded it to reveal more about the new model. Until now, the company has said that the car will be launched during the decade, which can mean up till 2030. However, today CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos has announced that the finished product will have its global debut as early as the fourth quarter of 2023.
Another ‘otherworldly’ model name
The car’s name has also been revealed: Spectre, which perfectly fits with the other ‘otherworldly’ model names like Ghost, Silver Spirit, Wraith and Phantom. “Spectre is a name given to otherworldly beings synonymous with great power and apparition; creatures of an alternative realm that make their presence felt through fleeting manifestation. A spectre forces the world to pause. It dominates the space it occupies. Then, as quickly as it appears, it dissipates, leaving a wake of exhilaration, energy, and intrigue,” explained Muller-Otvos.
“This name perfectly matches the extraordinary Rolls-Royce that we are announcing today – a motorcar that makes its presence felt before disappearing into a world inaccessible to all but the very few. As a quintessentially British brand, we have selected the British spelling; however, the meaning is universal,” he added.
Road-testing to commence soon
Understandably, technical details are sparse at this time and the first two pictures of the camouflaged car do not reveal much although the side view does show a sleek form. Certainly, it will be nothing like the VISION NEXT 100 (103EX) concept shown earlier. The new car will begin testing shortly, which could explain why the company is making the announcement today. “This is not a prototype. It’s the real thing, it will be tested in plain sight,” he said. “We have conceived the most demanding testing programme in Rolls-Royce’s history. We will cover 2.5 million kilometres – a simulation of more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce, on average – and we will travel to all four corners of the world to push this new motorcar to the limit.”
“You will see these test cars on roads, around the world. Look out for them – they will be in plain sight. They will be tested in all conditions and over all terrains on their multi-million-mile journey – that will literally accelerate Rolls-Royce into the future,” he added. Of course, the cars are likely to be heavily camouflaged.
Building up expertise in electric cars
Besides the fact that the founders of the company – Charles Rolls and Henry Royce – were familiar and even experienced electric cars over 100 years ago, the company has also been building up its expertise in electric powertrains for some time. “At Rolls-Royce, we have been experimenting with an electric powertrain for some time. In 2011, we revealed 102EX, a fully operational all-electric Phantom. We followed this in 2016 with our fully electric 103EX, which represented our vision for the marque several decades into the future,” said Muller-Otvos.
Layout of the electric powertrain in the 102EX.VISION NEXT 100 (103EX)
“We embark on this bold new future with a huge advantage. Electric drive is uniquely and perfectly suited to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, more so than any other automotive brand. It is silent, refined and creates torque almost instantly, going on to generate tremendous power. This is what we at Rolls-Royce call ‘waftability’,” he added.
Exclusive spaceframe architecture
“In 2016, we debuted Phantom and, with it, the marque’s proprietary aluminium architecture: a scalable and flexible spaceframe that would underpin all forthcoming Rolls-Royce motorcars. This unique technology – developed for Rolls-Royce by Rolls-Royce and reserved for the marque’s exclusive use – was created to form the foundation of not just different internal combustion engine models, as it now does with Cullinan and Ghost, but models with completely different powertrains.”
Part of the proprietary aluminium architecture with a scalable and flexible spaceframe to be used for the Spectre.
“To this end, our forthcoming electric car benefits from the Rolls-Royce architecture and therefore the extraordinary experience of a Rolls-Royce on the road. Free of any group platform sharing strategy, we were able to integrate our plans for an electric powertrain into the architecture’s initial design and ensure that this extraordinary new product meets the extremely high expectations of our clients,” he explained.
“With this new product, we set out our credentials for the full electrification of our entire product portfolio by 2030. By then, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will no longer be in the business of producing or selling any internal combustion engine products,” he declared.
Commercial vehicles (CVs), like passenger cars, will also have to follow the electrification route during this decade. This is especially so in Europe where there is a commitment by industries and governments to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, alongside a proposed ban on the sale of all polluting vehicles by 2035. With less than 15 years to go, there is now increased activity in developing electrically-powered trucks and there are already some in the market from leading manufacturers.
With demand for CVs therefore growing, there are other players coming into the market as well. One of them is Tevva Motors Limited, a UK-based company that describes itself as being ‘at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emissions commercial vehicles’. The team at Tevva is led by Ken Scott, formerly Engineering Director at both Bentley and Alexander Dennis, with styling handled by Dale Grewer, former Chief Designer at Jaguar Land Rover.
Fully built in Britain from 2022
The company recently unveiled its new truck – simply called the Tevva Truck – which will be fully built in Britain on a high-volume basis from mid-2022. It is the culmination of 7 years of engineering development and the learning gathered from over 320,000 kms of in-fleet trials. Tevva expects to be building 3,000 trucks a month from 2023.
The 7.5-tonne (GVW) electric truck is the first of a series of electrically-powered vehicles that will extend to 19.5 tonnes for the UK, European, and Middle Eastern markets. Using a rechargeable battery pack, the claimed range is 250 kms while having patented range extender technology (REX) now upgraded to use hydrogen fuel cells, can provide a range of up to 500 kms.
Tevva says its new truck offers a best-in-class combination of capability and cost efficiency from a zero emissions medium-duty truck, while offering the ruggedness and resilience of traditional trucks.
Ownership cost comparable to diesel truck
Range is obviously a concern to fleet managers who want the furthest distance at the lowest cost. The total cost of ownership is said to be comparable to a diesel truck; parity is achieved at approximately 3,000 kms or when 500 litres of diesel are consumed per month. The REX solution using compact hydrogen fuel cells can recharge the battery on the move, allowing longer duty cycles and transporting heavier loads even further.
Future technical developments already being tested will enable the Tevva Truck to be fully charged in just one hour – facilitating double shift operations, to help reduce the total cost of ownership. The time spent recharging will also be important to operators and as technology continues to advance, the times should keep shortening. Eventually, the driver won’t have time to have a cup of coffee and a meal at the recharging station.
Meeting the immediate industry need
The Tevva Truck will help the immediate industry need to electrify with transformative battery electric vehicles for the real world. “Technology is transforming the commercial vehicle sector at pace, making it safer, greener, and entirely more efficient. But meaningful change is a gradual process, it must happen one step at a time, even if those changes are needed in fast succession. The Tevva Truck provides a natural transition into electrification for fleet managers, providing total peace of mind and a compelling total cost of ownership proposition, with no compromise on range and reliability and minimised compromise on payload,” said Asher Bennett, Founder and CEO of Tevva.
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A new entry in the European light commercial vehicle (LCV) market is the Nissan Townstar, with a future-proofed powertrain that is electrified but also having a petrol engine option. Said to be Nissan most technologically comprehensive LCV to date, it has over 20+ technologies for efficiency, safety and functionality.
The main target of the new compact van is the electrified segment of the LCV market, where the Nissan e-NV200 was a pioneer and leader. “With tougher emissions standards, urban access restrictions and ever-increasing demand for last-mile delivery, businesses large and small need to find effective and sustainable solutions to remain competitive and optimise their operations,” said Emmanuelle Serazin, LCV & Corporate Sales Director, Nissan Europe.
Van and combi versions
Built on the Alliance CMF-C platform, it is developed for optimum efficiency and versatility in urban environments, the Townstar is offered in van and combi (passenger) versions, the latter offering comfortable accommodation for families on the go. Connectivity features such as E-Call, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and wireless phone charging are available.
The van version is designed for the operations of small and medium businesses, especially in the city. Various configurations are available with up to 3.9 cubic metres of cargo space. The cargo area integrates large sliding doors on the side, with the possibility to have 60/40 French doors with 180-degree opening or a tailgate at the rear.
The LCV can transport two Euro pallets and up to 800 kgs of cargo. It also includes smart storage solutions and a dedicated space for on-board office tools.
285 kms, 42-minute recharging to 80%
The fully electric version has an enhanced 44 kWh battery with advanced EV technology and intelligent energy management. In comparison to the e-NV200, the Townstar powertrain has an output of 90 kW/245 Nm and the range is said to be up to 285 kms on a single charge. With DC charging, an empty battery pack can be recharged to 80% within 42 minutes, it is claimed.
Those who do not want the electric version can still get the Townstar with a 1.3-litre petrol engine. This 130 ps/240 Nm engine is fully compliant with the latest Euro 6d-Full emission regulations.
ProPILOT system in EV version
There’s a broad range of Nissan safety technologies and advanced driver assistance features, including Side Wind Assist and Trailer Sway Assist. Automatic emergency braking is standard as well as Hands-Free Parking and Intelligent Cruise Control, while the Around View Monitor (AVM) is being offer for the first time in the compact van segment.
Nissan also provides drivers of the electric Townstar with the ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system. The system will automatically slow the vehicle to a full stop and accelerate by following the vehicle ahead, as well as keeping it centred in the lane – even around a gentle curve.
The Townstar is first European model to carry the new Nissan brand logo, and the latest model to be introduced under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan. It comes with an industry-leading, pan-European 5-year/160,000 km warranty, plus a separate 8-year/160,000 km warranty covering the battery pack.
Just as SUVs eventually reached the highest levels of the car market with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan being Introduced, the process of electrification will also ascend to the ‘summit’ of the industry before this decade ends. Rolls-Royce has already indicated on various occasions that it will offer an electrically-powered car in future and it confirms that this will be fully electric, without a hybrid powertrain.
The company is not intending to rush into launching the new product and says it will do so ‘when the time is right’. In the meantime, its engineers and designers are ensuring that every element meets Rolls-Royce’s technical, aesthetic and performance superlative standards.
Understanding that there is considerable interest and speculation surrounding the development of a totally different type of Rolls-Royce for the future, the company offers some perspectives in its transition to electric power.
Both founders of Rolls-Royce – Charles Rolls (above) and Henry Royce (below) – had personal experiences of using electrically-powered cars in the early 20th century.
Henry Royce was an electrical engineer
Interestingly, Henry Royce, one of the founders of the company, was one of the world’s first electrical engineers. Having developed an interest in electrical power, he joined the Electric Light & Power Generating Company (EL&PG) in Southwark, London. Eventually, he was made Chief Electrician at one of the company’s subsidiaries but when the company closed down, Royce chose his own path forward.
He established F. H. Royce & Co, initially producing small electrical appliances such as doorbells, lamps, fuses and switches. The business thrived, and was soon producing larger, more complex devices such as dynamos, electric motors and winches. In 1902, Royce supplied electric motors for Pritchett & Gold, a London-based battery-maker that had diversified into building electric cars (yes, there were already electric cars over 100 years ago).
Though Royce himself never built or owned an electric car, he created internal combustion engines with strong torque, silent running and smoothness… qualities which can also be found in electric powertrains.
Electrically-powered cars existed alongside cars with internal combustion engines during the early part of the 20th century. However, their extremely limited range and the absence of a charging infrastructure, as well as bulky batteries, made them less popular as time went on and the petrol and diesel engines became the default powerplants.
Charles Rolls owned an electric car
The other founder of Rolls-Royce, Charles Rolls, acquired an electric-powered car while still an engineering student at Cambridge. It was an American-made vehicle called The Columbia Electric Carriage, and described as a ‘City & Suburban’ car. That car made a strong impression on Rolls who said: “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration, and they should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged. But for now, I do not anticipate that they will be very serviceable – at least for many years to come.”
Rolls made his own small contribution to solving the problem, by providing a battery-charging station at his car showroom for the private or rentable electric Broughams that were popular in London at the time. In 1904, he was to have become an agent for the Contal Electromobile electric car but after meeting Royce and seeing his new car, he didn’t go ahead with that venture.
Phantom Experimental Electric (102EX)
In the spirit of the founding figures, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars aims to be an electrification pioneer in the years to come. It has already been hard at work carrying out research and development for the new model. Some of its Ideas have already been shown to the world in concept models such as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), codenamed 102EX, of 2011. This was a fully operational and road-legal battery-electric car – never intended for production – but serving as a working test-bed for clients, VIPs, the media and enthusiasts to experience electric propulsion. Rolls-Royce designers and engineers spoke to all who tried the Phantom EE to help them in their work and understand Issues as well as expectations.
The car’s 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine and gearbox were replaced with a lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors mounted on the rear subframe, connected to a single-speed transmission with integrated differential. This system gave a maximum power output of 290 kW and torque of 800 Nm, compared to 338 kW and maximum torque of 720 Nm for the V12 Phantom of the time.
VISION NEXT 100 (103EX)
The VISION NEXT 100 (103EX), presented in 2016, was a radically innovative concept car set out to define the marque’s long-term vision of luxury mobility. Its coachbuilt bodywork allowed clients to commission a car reflecting their personal vision and its size and scale – 5.9 metres long and 1.6 metres high – the car ensured a Grand Arrival on reaching its destination. The EX-suffix confirmed that 103EX was a purely experimental electric car. Following its debut in London, the car embarked on a 3-year world tour, returning to the factory in 2019.
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As announced in July this year, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is making a big investment to introduce hybrid electric technology in Malaysia in a bigger way. The last time the company actively sold hybrid models was about 10 years ago when the government allowed hybrids and electric vehicles to be sold duty-free to everyone. After that exemption ended, prices were no longer as cheap and sales of hybrids dwindled. UMWT didn’t give up though, and besides making available hybrid variants of Lexus models, it also sold the Camry Hybrid for some years.
Now comes not just another push but a bigger one which the company says is officially launched today. It’s a RM270 million investment which will bring hybrid electric technology to more Malaysians and contribute to the more than 18 million hybrid vehicles already sold by Toyota worldwide since the first model – the Prius – was launched in 1997.
Toyota Prius – first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle in the world.
Long experience in hybrid technology
Toyota can promise Malaysians advanced hybrid technology because it has long experience developing them. Starting with fundamental technology, Toyota’s engineers have constantly made advancements and innovations that put the brand at the forefront of hybrid technology. To show that the technology is not just about fuel efficiency, Toyota has also demonstrated how hybrid powertrains can also offer high performance with 4 consecutive wins at the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance races.
Toyota’s hybrid racing cars have won the 24-Hour Le Mans endurance race 4 times in a row, demonstrating that hybrid powertrains can also offer high performance.
UMWT’s push towards greater electrification follows the trend globally and support’s Toyota’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in all its activities. This means achieving net-zero CO2 emissions throughout the cycle of manufacturing, transporting, energy generating, fueling and/or charging, and the recycling and disposal of vehicles.
Toyota aims to achieve carbon neutrality not only in its products but also in all its activities, including those at factories. This is the ASSB, UMW toyota Motor’s assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor, where the hybrid models will be assembled in the near future.
Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Akio Takeyama, said that for the automotive industry, carbon neutrality involves a very challenging process to ensure that zero emissions can be achieved. It requires offering consumers sustainable solutions which meet their diverse needs.
Toyota already has various types of electrically-powered vehicles, some with hybrid powertrains (a small petrol engine working with an electric motor, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that only use electric motors and even powertrains that get energy from hydrogen fuel cells. All these are already available in the market but availability depends on the energy policies and readiness of different countries. So in countries which may still lack certain elements for fully electric models, the hybrid approach may be the best and more practical in the short term.
“For the immediate future, we are absolutely positive that the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in Malaysia. It is a realistic bridge towards vehicle electrification while efforts are still being undertaken to help realize enablers for BEVs, such as cost-reduction, energy mix improvement and infrastructure development,” said Mr. Takeyama.
HEVs comparable to fully electric vehicle in emissions
While BEVs may not generate CO2 emissions at all, HEVs have almost similar values in the process of vehicle production, energy generation and ownership over a period of 10 years. This means that, given the current situation in Malaysia, HEVs can be equally effective as BEVs.
“Toyota HEVs are at their most advanced today, and present the most realistic, immediate, economical and practical solution for mass market production and sale in terms of reduced CO2 emissions, practical usage, and price acceptance by customers,” Mr. Takeyama said.
He added that no new infrastructure needs to be built – referring to charging stations – as HEVs do not need to be recharged. The battery pack is constantly recharged while driving. This will help to eliminate the ‘range anxiety’ that is a concern to consumers who worry that they may be stranded if they run out of electricity in the battery pack. Furthermore, the HEV can be driven like a car with a combustion engine, and go long distances without any problem.
The Toyota Hybrid Electric System has a petrol engine and electric motors working together and in certain conditions, it is possible to run using just the electric motor alone. The battery is constantly recharged – even during braking – so owners do not have to worry about finding a recharging station. And even if the battery does not have sufficient energy remaining, it is still possible to continue using the petrol engine.
Constant improvement of hybrid system
Since 1997, the Toyota’s Hybrid Electric System has been constantly improved with new technology, becoming more efficient and the cost has also been going down as volumes have rapidly risen. It is now in its fourth generation and of the various versions for different models, UMWT has mentioned ‘dual power’ with a petrol engine and two electric motors. It is possible, under certain conditions, to run entirely on electric power for a short distance, with quiet movement and zero emissions.
A concern which was apparent among buyers of the hybrids sold before was the reliability of the battery pack which is manufactured by a subsidiary of Toyota. Admittedly, the early battery packs did have issues but battery technology has advanced very quickly and manufacturers addressed the issues quickly. To give peace of mind, companies offered extended warranty coverage specifically for hybrid battery packs, with UMWT giving up to 8 years coverage.
The Toyota Hybrid Electric System has evolved greatly from the one in the first Prius which occupied a lot of space (above), to the latest one (below) which is more compact and also offers better efficiency and performance. The battery packs have also become less bulky and can store larger amounts of energy to provide better range.
More reliable and durable battery packs
Today’s battery packs (lithium-ion type shown above) are much more reliable and durable – and have even better energy storage – as they are designed to last as long as the vehicle. They offer safety, long life service, a high level of quality, and a high level of performance. Toyota’s own subsidiary – Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, a joint venture with Panasonic – has extensive experience in battery development and manufacture. It has achieved battery durability and performance through understanding how the vehicle is used and the state of the battery under such conditions.
“We have the right technology, the right products in support of the existing infrastructure and energy policies. We are in an ideal position to contribute to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a hub for advanced technologies and to reduce its carbon footprint. This will be an important cornerstone towards ensuring future policies and the people are well positioned and prepared to accept vehicle electrification,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
What models for Malaysia?
The question now on everyone’s mind is what models will be assembled locally. Over the years, Toyota’s range of HEVs has expanded considerably and in 2021, there are at least 45 different models available. Obviously, UMWT won’t be able to offer all of them and the logical thing would be to choose models in common with other ASEAN markets. In both Thailand and Indonesia, there are HEV versions of the Corolla Cross, Corolla Altis, C-HR and Camry. Since the models are to be assembled locally, the Corolla Altis Hybrid would be a very strong possibility and as the Corolla Cross Hybrid is a variant on the same TNGA platform, it too can be easily added to the assembly line at the plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor.
Toyota currently has 45 hybrid models in its global range. These two, which are already sold in neighbouring countries, would be strong candidates for assembly in Malaysia.
It’s often been said that Toyota is like an oil tanker; it may take a while to change course but once it has, it has massive ‘force’ behind it to push ahead strongly. In the case of hybrid models, UMWT may not be the first in the market to assemble such vehicles but now that the decision has been made to do so, it can be expected to become a major brand in the growing HEV segment.
From its early days, Volvo has been well known for being a leader in automobile safety, which was its strongest selling point. Then the company (not surprisingly with its Swedish roots) started to be determined about its products being environmentally-friendly. Whatever regulations there were, the carmaker aimed to meet them and even be better than what was required.
Now that the company is moving rapidly towards a fully electrified range of vehicles, the matter of environmental-friendliness is readily addressed as electric vehicles do not have any toxic emissions. As usual, Volvo is also taking the lead in the field with innovative approaches to designing and making the new generation of electric vehicles.
Leather has long been associated with luxury in cars (above) but Volvo Cars will not have leather anymore and use new sustainable or recycled materials that can still maintain the same premium feel in its electric models of the future (below).
Now it is turning its attention to animal welfare and is taking an ethical stand where all new fully electric Volvo models will be completely leather-free, starting with the new C40 Recharge. As part of its ambitions to go completely leather-free, Volvo Cars is working actively to find high-quality and sustainable sources for many materials currently used in the wider car industry.
By 2025, the company is aiming for 25% of the material in new Volvo cars to consist of recycled and bio-based content, as it looks to become a fully circular business by 2040. As part of its climate action plans, it also aims for all of its immediate suppliers, including material suppliers, to use 100% renewable energy by 2025.
The company’s move towards leather-free interiors is also driven by a concern about the negative environmental impacts of cattle farming, including deforestation. Livestock is estimated to be responsible for around 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions from human activity, with the majority coming from cattle farming.
Instead of leather interior options, Volvo Cars will offer customers alternatives such as high-quality sustainable materials made from bio-based and recycled sources. For example, Nordico, a new interior material created by Volvo Cars will consist of textiles made from recycled material such as PET bottles, bio-attributed material from sustainable forests in Sweden and Finland, and corks recycled from the wine industry. This material will make its debut in the next generation of Volvo models, setting a new standard for premium interior design.
Volvo Cars’ new leather-free material for its next generation cars consists of textiles made from recycled material such as PET bottles, bio-attributed material from sustainable forests in Sweden and Finland, and corks recycled from the wine industry.
Volvo Cars will also continue to offer wool blend options and ensure that suppliers are certified to source responsibly, as the company looks to ensure full traceability and animal welfare in its wool supply chain.
“Being a progressive car maker means we need to address all areas of sustainability, not just CO2 emissions,” said Stuart Templar, Director of Global Sustainability at Volvo Cars. “Responsible sourcing is an important part of that work, including respect for animal welfare. Going leather-free inside our pure electric cars is a good next step towards addressing this issue.”
Volvo Cars is also looking to reduce the use of residual products from livestock production commonly used within or in the production of plastics, rubber, lubricants and adhesives, either as part of the material or as a process chemical in the material’s production or treatment. The company takes this step because it believes that while going leather-free is a step in the right direction, doing so alone does not make a car interior vegan.
Volvo C40 Recharge
By aiming to actively replace these materials as much as possible, Volvo Cars takes a strong and ethical position to do what it can to help stop animal harm, by contributing to a reduced demand for these materials containing animal products.
“Finding products and materials that support animal welfare will be challenging, but that is no reason to avoid this important issue,” said Mr. Templar. “This is a journey worth taking. Having a truly progressive and sustainable mindset means we need to ask ourselves difficult questions and actively try and find answers.”
With electric vehicles (EVs), many of the heavy or bulky components that were needed by a traditional internal combustion engine drivetrain are no longer present. Not only is there weight-saving but less space is also wasted. For designers, there’s a new freedom, just as the switch to front-wheel drive gave interior designers more volume for cabin packaging.
Depending on how bold they are, the designers can now depart from traditional forms that have been used for decades and introduce new styles that may or may not catch on. Perhaps that’s what the designers at SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile had in mind when they came up with this new compact EV.
Remember the Multipla?
Known as the Kiwi EV (previously designated E300), it joins the 11-year old Baojun brand’s line-up which is made up of low-cost models for the Chinese market. The new interstellar geometry design language of the brand is used for the avant-garde split body styling which may bring to mind the Fiat Multipla. The split body design incorporates a front bumper style which echoes the pattern of radar waves.
Like the Multipla, which was regarded as one of the ugliest cars produced, the Kiwi EV has the sort of appearance that will ‘make or break’. The designers probably made a case that its ‘distinct and personalized appearance’ will appeal to younger consumers who may be tried of the conventional look.
Fiat Multipla
Priced from RM45,000
Customers can choose from 6 exterior colours and each one features its own decorative scheme, taking full advantage of the ‘suspended cab’ concept that gives the vehicle its unique look. Depending on the colour choice, the combinations span up to 3 body tones with contrasting accents on the roof, grille, mirrors, trim and wheels. There are two versions with prices ranging from 69,800 RMB (about RM45,000) to 78,800 RMB (about RM51,000).
Baojun highlights the tech features in the Kiwi EV, and besides its own telematics 2.0 system, it has an artificial intelligence voice interaction system, real-time road navigation, voice-controlled WeChat function and a mobile app for convenient management of functions.
Shorter than a Perodua Axia
The Kiwi EV is 2894 mm long, 1655 mm wide and 1595 mm high, with a 2020 mm wheelbase, which makes it shorter than a Perodua Axia. It comes with a McPherson independent suspension and double wishbone independent suspension design, for a comfortable rid
The powertrain employs synchronous fixed ratio gearbox and the electric motor is mounted behind for rear-wheel-drive. It can generate up to 40 kW of maximum power and 150 Nm of maximum torque which comes on instantaneously. The top speed is claimed to be 100 km/h with a range of just over 300 kms. The battery pack, which can have a capacity of up to 31.9 kWh, supports DC fast charging and an hour is said to be the time needed for charging to full capacity.
The era of the ‘bubble cars’ was during the 1950s and 1960s and were low-cost, very basic, motorized vehicles for two persons. They were made by manufacturers that no longer exist with the exception of companies like Citroen and BMW, the latter having produced the Isetta under licence from Italy’s ISO Rivolta. As more conventional and spacious sedans became affordable, their popularity faded and they were regarded more as novelties.
The bubble car era was at its height in the 1950s and 1960s. The first electric bubble car was designed in 1942 (above) and named ‘electric egg’, but was never produced. One of the better known bubble cars was the Isetta, made by BMW (below) under licence from an Italian company. It used a 250 cc engine from a BMW motorcycle.
The bubble shape offers optimal space utilization though it has a constraint on size. It has been used today for microcars, especially the new generation of electrically-powered vehicles. Such vehicles are sold in Europe as ‘quadricycles’ and have a following large enough to justify their existence as a business.
How much car do you really need?
Microlino, a Swiss company, believes that the bubble car design is ideal for personal mobility in today’s urban environments. It started with a simple question: “How much car do you really need for your daily commute?” which three brothers in a Swiss family asked themselves. Coming from a completely different sector, they could not understand why most cars today are too big and too heavy for their purpose. On average, a car is occupied by just 1.2 people, travelling a daily distance of only 30 kms.
In their view, the ideal vehicle would be something between a motorbike and a car. Small and agile, but at the same time weatherproof and spacious enough for shopping. In the course of their research, they came across the bubble cars of the 1950s and used those models as inspiration for the first designs in collaboration with the Swiss university ZHAW.
Positive response after first display
A prototype was developed in China in mid-2015 and displayed at a small stand at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Though still in prototype stage, there was strong interest and in just two days, some 500 reservations were made by visitors. This gave them the confidence to begin engineering the vehicle to be produced for sale and they collaborated with Tazzari, an Italian car manufacturer specialising in small electric vehicles.
By the beginning of 2018, the first prototype was completed and could be submitted for homologation so that it could be registered for use on public roads. As publicity of the vehicle, known as the Microlino, became more widespread, more orders were received and at last count, they now number more than 16,000. Three prototypes have been built and after another two more, the company is looking at starting commercial production in Italy before the end of this year. Pricing will start at 12,000 euros (about RM59,000) with customers having some options to customize their vehicle.
Electric power for 21st century
While those old bubble cars used small petrol engines, the Microlino is powered by an 11 kW/100 Nm electric motor which provides a top speed of 90 km/h. Customers can choose from two lithium-ion battery packs which, depending on driving style and conditions, will give a range of between 125 kms and 200 kms, more than enough for daily urban use. Charging is said to take a maximum of 4 hours with a 2 kW wall socket.
Entry through the front
Measuring 2430 mm long, 1500 mm wide and 1450 mm tall, the cabin has space for two persons sitting next to each other and like the old bubble cars, entry is through the front. The question then is what about the steering wheel and column? As the pictures show, this is a standalone element at the front of the cabin and remains in place when the door is swung open. Presumably, it is engineered with safety in mind otherwise the Microlino would not be street-legal.
The folding roof was developed by Magna Car Top Systems, an expert in the field of convertible tops and roof systems. It can easily be opened and closed with one hand while driving and lets in a gentle breeze. The folding roof will be available as an option and comes standard in the premium versions.
The old bubble cars had a rather flimsy structure but the Microlino has more robust engineering, thanks to computer-aided design and modern lightweight but strong materials. It follows the monocoque concept, like modern cars, and is made out of pressed steel and aluminium parts, the first product in its category to use this structure. It weighs just 513 kgs with the battery pack installed.
