The Watt Electric Vehicle Company, who are a technology leader in electric car architecture and manufacturer of premium electric vehicles (EVs), has designed a state-of-the-art zero-emissions platform. This new electric platform enables low-to-medium volume manufacturers of cars and commercial vehicles to go electric without the cost burden of investing in their own specific chassis technology.
It’s the brainchild of Neil Yates who is an experienced expert in niche vehicle development professional and an industry consultant at Watt Electric Vehicle Company’s Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard (PACES). The new platform can support a broad range of future niche EVs.
PACES, which is flexible, scalable, lightweight and cost-effective, is an adaptable bonded aluminium platform specifically designed for low-volume manufacture. It can be applied to almost any size or shape of EV, from sports cars to buses and across four-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layouts. It also complies with all International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) regulations and European Small Series Type Approval crash standards.
The key to PACES’ enormous capability is its structure system. It’s composed of lightweight flat laser-cut extrusions that interlock and bond together. This allows PACES to form chassis that are low cost, rigid and accurate that can be delivered to within 1mm of variability across the whole platform. It requires little upfront investment in expensive tooling or post-assembly machining which further cuts manufacturing cost.
PACES has three key technical development partners on the project. Firstly, Stalcom Automotive Technologies, who are based in Pershore, are responsible for FlexTech, the lightweight and multi-material structure. Secondly, Equipmake, who are located in Snetterton, provides state-of-the-art powertrain and battery systems. Finally, Potenza Technology, who are in Coventry, are responsible for the project’s ISO26262-capable battery management, powertrain and body control systems.
The first production car to use PACES will be Watt Electric Vehicle Company’s own Coupe. It’s a 1950s-inspired two-seat fixed head electric sports car. It will focus on driver involvement with near 50/50 weight distribution with a kerb weight of less than 1,000kg.
The Coupe features a communicative chassis for a carefully honed ride to help with handling and steering characteristics. It has a rear-mounted electric motor available in two power outputs, with a 40kWh battery that offers a range of up to 230 miles (370km). More details of Watt Electric Vehicle Company’s Coupe will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Neil Yates, founder and owner of Watt Electric Vehicle Company, said:
“As we rapidly accelerate towards 2030, electrification is a major challenge for niche manufacturers. With low sales volumes, it is difficult for these businesses, whether start-ups or established brands, to invest in their own new specific EV technology and develop it in-house. Watt Electric Vehicle Company enables the niche vehicle industry to go electric with PACES.”
