Prodrive and design agency Astheimer have joined forces to create the Evolv, an electric van concept that is set to be produced in 2028. The compact van has been designed for last-mile delivery services in cities and offers significantly more load space than other vehicles in its category while weighing half as much as a conventional van. With a weight of just 850kg, the Evolv can accommodate a 1.6m pallet with a 300kg payload in its main load area, with additional space for another 1.2m pallet and 200kg load in a secondary storage bay. The concept has been developed in response to the growing demand for versatile and zero-emission vehicles in the logistics and retail sectors.
Prodrive and Astheimer have established a new company called Elm Mobility, which will continue to develop the Evolv over the next few years with the aim of launching it for sale in 2028. The project has received funding from the Niche Vehicle Network, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, and an unnamed private investor. The Evolv has been engineered to conform to the same passive safety standards as conventional vans, ensuring the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. The design of the van focuses on reducing weight and maximizing load space, with the single-seat cabin accounting for 60% of the vehicle’s volume.
The Evolv features a wraparound windscreen for maximum visibility, fared-in headlights to reduce the risk of accident damage, and highly robust modular body panels that can be quickly and cost-effectively replaced if damaged. It also boasts a small turning circle of just 7.8 meters, making it highly maneuverable in urban environments. The van is equipped with a 20kWh battery, offering a range of 100 miles between charges and a 20-80% charge time of two hours. While other battery options are being considered for future production variants, the Evolv’s urban focus means it is unlikely to require a range much greater than that.
One of the key features of the Evolv is its modular platform, which allows for different body types to be fitted for use in various sectors. For example, pizza delivery services may require a small heated cargo box, while logistics firms may need to transport 1.6-meter Euro pallets and supermarkets may require a medium-sized refrigerator unit. While there are currently no plans for a dedicated passenger version of the Evolv, talks are underway with a potential investor interested in a fleet of compact shuttles for large properties, as well as the possibility of a two-seater variant for use at resorts and hotels.
Elm Mobility is in discussions with several potential production partners, both in the UK and internationally, as part of its asset-light business model to minimize investment in tooling and factories. The company aims to produce around 10,000 units per year by 2030, with the potential to double that figure in the following years. The market for electric vans is emerging and developing, and the Evolv has the potential to become a widely used vehicle in various industries worldwide.
While the failures of commercial EV start-ups Arrival and Volta may raise concerns about the viability of Elm Mobility, the company believes its focus on the L7-class van market, with its lower barrier to entry and higher volume potential, will contribute to its success. Elm Mobility has already established strong relationships with customers and aims to address the unmet need for a purpose-built vehicle to replace the aging van fleet in the EU. With approximately 29 million vans in the EU with an average age of 11.9 years, there is a significant market opportunity for the Evolv.
Overall, the Prodrive and Astheimer partnership has created a compelling electric van concept in the form of the Evolv. With its practical design, lightweight construction, and focus on safety and versatility, the Evolv has the potential to revolutionize last-mile delivery services and meet the growing demand for zero-emission vehicles in the logistics and retail sectors. With further development and production partnerships, the Evolv could become a game-changer in the electric van market, providing a sustainable and efficient solution for urban delivery needs.