The world population continues to grow and, according to forecasts, cities will have more and more inhabitants in the future. In fact, according to UN data, around 6.6 billion people will live in urban areas in 2050. This circumstance will pose an extraordinary challenge in the field of mobility, where electric vehicles are called to play an important role.
Many companies around the world are in full development of solutions that help to optimize this situation. One of these is Helixx, a UK-based global technology company that provides a range of affordable electric mini-vehicles, primarily for freight and passenger transport.
The objective of this firm is to offer emission-free mobility solutions to reduce air pollution in densely populated areas. But, in addition to this, it intends that companies that require this type of vehicle in developing countries can advance more quickly in the progress of their businesses without giving up clean mobility.
The brand already has a range of four electric mini-vehicles called Tuk, Ride, Cargo and Truck. Although they are relatively similar to each other, each of them is designed to serve different purposes. All four models are built on the same platform and have a removable and interchangeable battery. They are designed to be affordable and are distinguished by a simple design focused above all on practicality.
The Tuk and Ride versions (offered with open or closed bodywork, respectively), are destined to become solutions for urban passenger transport, replacing older and more polluting fleets. Both vehicles can accommodate up to four people and offer ample legroom of 1.08 meters between their two rows of seats.
The Helixx Cargo is a van-type commercial vehicle with a cargo volume of 2,100 liters and a payload of 500 kg. Its objective is to gain a foothold in the growing demand for the so-called last-mile delivery fleets. Its cargo space is 1.40 m long, with a rear door width of 1.10 m.
For its part, the Truck variant is a pick-up designed for companies in sectors such as construction, for example. Its cargo area offers a surface area of ​​1.64 square meters and can carry the same maximum payload as the Cargo alternative (500 kg).
The main peculiarity of Helixx is that it licenses its products and they will be provided by subscription for commercial use starting at a price of €0.23 per hour of use. In addition, it provides the possibility for customers themselves to manufacture vehicles in small facilities thanks to a system called Helixx Mobility Hubs, which is supported by a state-of-the-art digital ecosystem.
The brand takes care of the entire process, from the establishment of the small factory to the installation of the production equipment and the training of the staff. The manufacturing and operations centers can be implemented quickly since, in about six months, the entire process can be finished, with the first units ready to work. The company organizes the shipment of raw materials and components, as well as the entire production process through a digital platform.
Outside of the UK, Helixx plans to set up pilot centers in Singapore and is already in negotiations to do the same in other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The next steps will be to establish the activity in the Middle East, North Africa and South America.
This alternative for urban electric transport thus joins the many that are already underway in various parts of the world, such as the Carver (dedicated above all to the field of parcels), which you can see in operation in the video accompanying this article.
