Automotive innovation start-up Page-Roberts has revealed a patented design concept for an electric vehicle capable of travelling up to 30% further than current EVs on the market.
Until now, EV manufacturers have placed car batteries under the floor as a convenient way to package sufficient battery energy for an acceptable range. The drawbacks of this arrangement are the added height, increased weight and body structural complexities, along with an often-extended wheelbase.
The Page-Roberts innovation positions the battery between the front row seats and a second row of rear-facing seats. This arrangement is far more compact than standard electric vehicle designs on the market and offers the potential for a lower, more aerodynamic vehicle with a standard wheelbase. The resulting vehicle would be lighter and more streamlined, offering the potential either for an extended range of up to 30%, or to use a much smaller battery to achieve a similar range. Manufacturing costs, meanwhile, could be cut by up to 36% as a result of the unique arrangement.
The Page-Roberts design is particularly suited to small EVs, for which there is a very strong demand, despite most manufacturers focusing their attention on larger SUVs. The absence of batteries under the floor offers great design freedom, with the potential to produce lower height designs, giving a unique solution for sleek and sporty 4 seat vehicles.