Formtech E1 electric vehicle.
Formtech GmbH (Niederwinkling, German) announced on Dec. 12 the launch of the E1 electric vehicle (EV), first introduced at the Frankfurt IAA Motorshow in September.
The vehicle is based on a Formtech research study that prescribes use of a number of concepts in lightweighting technology, including composites, high- end materials and machining.
Formtech’s EV started out as a concept for the company’s CEO Franz Hilmer. “I wanted to develop a car that would provide me with a second vehicle that I can use to commute to work, but be stylish and provide the basis to exploit the technologies that Formtech is developing in lightweight materials, high-end precision manufacturing and other technologies,” Hilmer says.
“The chosen concept of the E1 came from the idea that a secondary car; where the customer already owns a vehicle, and considering an eco-friendly alternative especially designed for short commute, with the capacity to carry 4 passengers, should be simple and take full advantage of the electric drive train. The limited top speed and range will create a lighter, more efficient vehicle, perfect for a second car. The design features a short overhang at both ends to create maximum capacity within the given wheelbase dimension. The side surface wraps around to the front and rear end, creating a sense of security and strength to the overall form,“ says designer Satoshi Nakamura.
“The future of EVs will be based around a number of game-changing technologies,” says Mark Preston, ex-F1 designer, “I forsee a change in the way EVs are perceived with lightweight carbon composites and vehicle dynamics technology such as torque vectoring driving exciting new areas of customer interest. We created the research study in order to create a platform from which Formtech can develop these new technologies and provide solutions for all areas of EV development.”
The Formtech E1 forms the basis of further development studies by Formtech EVs. Further studies will be released from Formtech that follow up on the beginnings created with the E1. “Formtech is committed to working towards the future and welcomes discussions with interested companies and investors from the green sector,“ says Hilmer.