Global Electric Vehicles reveals affordable, "white label" electric city car concept

Global Electric Vehicles Ltd. (GEVCO), along with partner Mira Ltd., has unveiled its affordable electric city car concept called the ECity. This is a vehicle aimed at alleviating an automaker's risk in developing its own technology and, thus, enabling manufacturers to sell an exciting range of battery-powered vehicles anywhere in the world. Okay, if that doesn't spell out the purpose of GEVCO's concept, then perhaps this will: GEVCO markets it city car as a "white label" vehicle. This implies that GEVCO and Mira develop and produce the electric vehicles, which in turn are bought by automakers and rebranded to appear as though the purchaser did all the dirty work. Got that? Good. Let's move on.

The GEVCO ECity concept features lightweight, recyclable materials, a composite body and seating for four. Its 916-kilogram (2,019-pound) curb weight (battery included) allows it to hit a top speed of 85 miles per hour and ramble down the road for 70 miles with the juice provided by its 15 kWh battery. Since the ECity is envisioned as a "white label" design, rebranded versions could differ significantly from the concept image. GEVCO also plans to offer a small electric delivery truck version, as well as a larger series hybrid variant called the EMode. The EMode weighs in at 3,331 pounds, tops out at 80 mph and offers 50 miles of electric range.

GEVCO's grand vision is to create a series of electric vehicles platforms, all of which will utilize lightweight, recyclable materials along with high-tech energy systems. These vehicles will enable major automakers to sell electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles at an affordable price in any country while also allowing many manufacturers to market a battery-powered auto before the competition. Sounds like a unique, and perhaps even lucrative, plan to us. Hit the jump to learn more about the affordable "white label" electric vehicle developed by Mira and Gevco, and while you're at it, check out the company's site. Hat tip to Andrew!

[Source: Global Electric Vehicles]

PRESS RELEASE

UK Firms to Collaborate on 'Zero Compromise' Electric Cars

MIRA Ltd and GEVCO Ltd have announced that they are to collaborate on the development of a technologically advanced 'white label' electric vehicle that will require 'zero compromise' from drivers and successfully compete with petrol and diesel-powered equivalents.

The agreement was signed at the European Future Energy Forum in London today and will see MIRA's advanced engineering, research and testing expertise brought to bear in the design of a Global Electric Vehicle (GEVCO) concept, as well as an engineering strategy capable of bringing it to market.

Starting with the compact four-seat e-city, the eventual vision is to create a series of electric vehicle platforms with multiple applications - all of which follow GEVCO's Zero Technology Compromise philosophy and incorporate lightweight, recyclable materials alongside next generation powertrain and energy storage technologies - in order to deliver a commercially viable mass-market proposition.

Speaking at the European Future Energy Forum, MIRA CEO Dr George Gillespie said: "Today marks the start of an exciting chapter in the development of a new generation of electric vehicles. Over the coming months a joint MIRA / GEVCO team, based at our global headquarters in Leicestershire, will be applying the advanced technologies and designing concepts capable of meeting global homologation as well as market specific needs."

Uniquely, GEVCO's white label business model dramatically reduces the cost and risk of entry into the competitive e-motive sector. It effectively enables major international corporations to 'own brand' and sell an exciting range of affordable, frugal vehicles in any territory – accessing technologies that will place them ahead of many competitors in the process.

GEVCO founder and CEO Steve Woolley commented: "This collaboration will lead to the creation of a vehicle that achieves a step-change in the way society views personal mobility. We aim to create a Global Electric Vehicle that is technologically advanced, can be personalised to reflect people's lifestyles and social values but is also cool and fun to drive – a car for the iPod generation."

Mark Prisk, Minister for Business & Enterprise, added: "The successful businesses of the future will adapt, and help their customers, adjust to a low-carbon and sustainable world. GEVCO's partnership with MIRA will benefit from the British motor industry's strong research & development skills and technical know-how and will produce a vehicle that could be successful all over the world. It is an example of the type of company the UK needs. I wish them luck in the future."

MIRA works collaboratively on numerous projects and its ability to develop whole vehicle solutions, as well as provide independent consultancy, certification and testing recently saw it take a leading role on the development of Jaguar's Limo Green - which is also on being showcased at ExCel during the European Future Energy Forum.