In its latest annual Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Outlook, the International Energy Agency (IEA) states that few areas of the new global energy economy are as dynamic as electric vehicles. Data collected by the energy authority demonstrates the huge momentum in sales as more people make the transition to buying EVs. In 2021, a record-breaking 6.6 million electric cars were sold worldwide, double compared to the year before, taking the total number of EVs on the road to around 16.5 million.
Despite this impressive growth, there are areas within the mobility industry that remain slower to embrace EVs. For example, of all trucks sold worldwide in 2021, only 0.3% were electric. Similarly, EV sales continue to lag in many emerging and developing economies where there are fewer models available and many consumers are priced out of the market.
Innovative startups hope to solve this issue with their modular, affordable EV solutions, including:
- EVUM Motors: The aCar from EVUM Motors is a modular electric utility vehicle designed for the mobility needs of rural populations. This robust, functional, affordable and green 4×4 was designed to be easily manufactured and financed in developing and emerging countries.
- Simple Energy: When the Indian startup began developing the Simple One scooter, its aim was to launch a two-wheeler that outperformed the existing competition in terms of range, speed, charging time and affordability. To keep costs under control, the Simple One was designed and developed completely in-house, including the electric motor and battery pack.
- XYT: This French start-up has created a modular electric vehicle called PIXEL, dedicated to urban logistics. The small truck contains only 600 parts and is designed to be quick and easy to maintain.
Here’s a glimpse into how each of these companies take advantage of the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud platform to bring their vehicles to market:
The race to launch an electric 4×4
EVUM Motors based in Germany wanted to be first to market with its unique 4×4 electric utility vehicle and used the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud platform to accelerate its product development processes. It took the company less than two years to reach series production.
With all design information stored centrally, engineers can work on designs and exchange data seamlessly. All parts are designed and developed virtually in 3D and departments collaborate with ease like the production planning department with the development department to map changes and check assembly line matters before any issues arise. This ensures all new technical equipment is used appropriately and all processes are planned in advance to optimize production.
Creating a luxury scooter in record time
Simple Energy’s vision is to disrupt the EV market with a high-performance, luxury, yet affordable two-wheel scooter. It used the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud platform to support its design and development processes, allowing it to create and build a scooter from the ground up in record time.
Every facet of the Simple One scooter, including the vehicle exterior, was designed and tested on the platform. By bringing its design, engineering and manufacturing processes together in one place, the company was able to work as efficiently as possible and keep costs down. Through better data quality and seamless integration between disciplines, Simple Energy was able to reducethe number of prototypes it needed to make by at least one-third.
Keeping costs and maintenance in check
XYT’s PIXEL truck is designed for use by delivery drivers and logistics firms. Wanting the EV to be as affordable, easy to run and maintain as possible, XYT split the vehicle design into integrated modules and functions: electricity, belts, brakes, and so on. While engineers can work separately on specific modules, everyone is connected to a single 3D model on the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud platform. The master automatically integrates the latest changes and ensures full visibility across the development cycle.
As the company grows, it knows the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud platform will scale with its needs, allow it to easily manage customized vehicle configurations, and continue to connect all aspects of its business.
