Launched in September 2024, ELM Mobility marks a significant milestone in urban transport, thanks to a collaboration between Prodrive, renowned for its engineering expertise, and Astheimer Design, known for its forward-thinking design solutions. Their partnership has resulted in the creation of the first ground-up, fit-for-purpose last mile delivery platform, designed to address the growing demand for efficient, eco-friendly transport in urban areas. With the increasing need for zero-emission vehicles, ELM Mobility’s vision is to lead the industry in last-mile transport solutions, offering a compact, lightweight, and highly efficient alternative to traditional delivery vehicles. This new platform is set to revolutionize city logistics by reducing emissions, minimizing congestion, and maximizing delivery efficiency. One of the key aspects of ELM Mobility’s vehicle design is its unique platform architecture. By “shrink-wrapping” the driver package, the design maximizes the available load space without compromising driver comfort or functionality. This approach is a game-changer in the last-mile delivery market, where space efficiency is critical.
The vehicle’s architecture allows for a best-in-class load volume to overall volume ratio of over 60%, an impressive feat that positions it far ahead of its competitors. This space optimization makes it ideal for transporting goods in busy urban environments, where efficiency and agility are paramount. ELM Mobility’s vehicle also features the ability to carry a 1.6-meter high EURO pallet, a crucial consideration for many businesses that rely on standardized shipping solutions. This capability ensures that the vehicle is not only efficient in terms of space utilization but also highly versatile in its application. The lightweight platform, which falls under the L7e category, weighs around half as much as a compact van with similar load volume capabilities. This weight reduction contributes to significant energy savings, making the vehicle more cost-effective to operate on a per-mile basis. The vehicle is powered by a 20-kWh battery pack, offering a per-charge range of up to 160 km (100 miles), which is more than sufficient for most last-mile delivery routes. This range can be adapted to different operational needs, with other battery configurations available for future production models.
The overall design prioritizes efficiency and practicality, with an empty weight of just 850 kg (1,874 lb), including the battery. Importantly, approximately 60% of the vehicle’s total volume is dedicated to cargo, spread across two load areas on the skateboard-like chassis, providing a total cargo space of 4 cubic meters (141.25 cubic feet). To ensure smooth urban navigation, ELM Mobility’s vehicle boasts a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), making it well-suited to city environments where speed limits are often lower. Additionally, the modular body panels allow for quick and easy replacement in the event of damage, reducing maintenance downtime and costs. The “fared-in” headlights also enhance durability and reduce the risk of damage during tight manoeuvres, further contributing to the vehicle’s robustness in demanding urban conditions. The central driving position is another innovative feature of ELM Mobility’s design, offering several benefits. It improves direct visibility for the driver, enhancing safety in crowded urban environments. Moreover, it allows for easy access from both sides of the vehicle, streamlining the delivery process. This central positioning also frees up space for crucial mechanical components such as the suspension and steering, improving the overall performance and handling of the vehicle.
One of the standout performance features of ELM Mobility’s platform is its incredibly tight turning circle. With a turning radius of just 7.8 meters, comparable to that of a London taxi, the vehicle can easily navigate congested city streets and tight corners. This level of manoeuvrability is a significant advantage for last-mile delivery vehicles, which often need to make frequent stops and navigate through traffic. In terms of safety, ELM Mobility has designed its vehicle to meet the rigorous standards of the N1 (small van) passive safety regulations. By positioning the driver behind the front axle, the vehicle can be engineered to withstand front, side, and roof impacts, offering superior crash protection compared to other vehicles in its category. This focus on safety, combined with its efficient, lightweight design and eco-friendly credentials, positions ELM Mobility as a leader in the future of urban transport solutions.