AVEVAI, a new B2B e-mobility and logistics solutions and technology company based in Singapore, recently launched a line of electric light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs) that use supercapacitor battery technology for greater range.
AVEVAI’s box trucks and vans, which debuted late last month in China at the 5th Guangzhou International Electric Vehicles Show, have been designed for P&D and service segments in the U.S. and abroad.
“[The vehicles] use cutting-edge supercapacitor battery hybrid technology to achieve an all-electric range of 330km for the IONA Van and 300km (205 miles) for the IONA Truck – up to 40 percent more than comparable e-LCVs,” AVEVAI reports in its press release.
The graphene-infused supercapacitors are able to accept and deploy electrical charge much faster than conventional batteries, and are less affected by charge and discharge cycles, thereby giving them a longer life, AVEVAI reports.
Singapore-based e-SYNERGY’s supercapacitor technology is designed to extend the life of EV batteries compared to other products on the market.
Vehicle down-time is also reduced with fewer charging intervals and optimal charging versatility, according to AVEVAI.
A 22kW AC charging station will fully charge the IONA Truck in two hours, while the IONA Van takes less than four hours to be fully charged via a fast-charging terminal. Standard 220v charging is also available. The batteries are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -40oC (-40 Fahrenheit) and as high as 70oC (158 Fahrenheit).
“In addition to lowering the total cost of ownership, a factory warranty of five years or 200,000km (124274 miles), whichever comes first, ensures that no further battery-related expenses are incurred by the vehicle owner or operator,” AVEVAI states.
“Vehicle down-time is also reduced with fewer charging intervals and optimal charging versatility.”
Designed by AVEVAI in Singapore, the IONA is built on a chassis developed in an R&D facility in Stuttgart, Germany, in cooperation with Daimler and China-based Foton Motors. The development process incorporates all performance and safety-related elements, from brakes, bearings, drive and control systems, as well as insulation and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), to achieve the highest international standards for quality and meet stringent European safety regulations.
AVEVAI was founded in response to the growing demand from small- and medium-sized businesses for low-cost, flexible e-LCVs, driven by the growth of e-commerce.
The first two IONA models (truck and van) can be configured to exact customer requirements, with short and long wheel-base versions capable of carrying a payload of up to 2,500kg (5,511 lbs.) and as much as 18m3 (635 cubic feet) of cargo.
“Tighter regulations on harmful emissions in urban areas are driving demand for e-LCVs. Our mission is to create affordable, functional and highly efficient products that meet the current needs of many businesses operating in the parcel, fast moving consumer goods and last-minute delivery segments,”
“By producing higher quality e-LCVs that have been specifically developed from the ground-up – rather than conversions of existing petrol or diesel models – we can meet the growing demand for commercial electric vehicles with the highest safety standards, better range, great load capacity, longer lifecycles and a vehicle that is maintenance free. Looking to the future, we are partnering with companies to develop innovative products and services that will complement our EV technology and provide an enhanced range of mobility and connected services for the logistics industry.”
The patented GEMS technology, which AVEVAI and e-SYNERGY plan to market in 2019, uses graphene-infused supercapacitors with very low internal resistance. Controlled by a proprietary smart algorithm, GEMS allows charging and discharging cycles to run in nanoseconds and the entire vehicle electrical system to store and distribute energy more efficiently and with greater flexibility. The system can also harness and utilise up to 85% of energy captured through regenerative braking, which contributes to a substantial extension in range of up to 40% in real-life road tests.
IONA is currently the only commercial electric vehicle powered by the innovative supercapacitor technology. Order books for the ground-breaking models are already open for sales and pre-orders, depending on the market. IONA models will be distributed directly by AVEVAI, with first deliveries from February 2019 and deliveries to other markets, including Europe and the U.S., from May 2019.
IONA models include advanced smartphone connectivity. A 10.1-inch Android-based touchscreen provides access to a range of features, including GPS and driving records, calendar and weather updates, state of battery charge and energy consumption.
The interface also supports integration with smart supply chain and fleet management systems. The efficiency of the energy management system means that operators receive the accurate insight they need to make informed decisions about fleet utilization and optimal route planning.
AVEVAI partnered with China Foton Motor Co., Ltd. to build the vehicles at the FOTON facilities in Shangdong, China. With the factory and test drive facilities already established, orders are currently underway with minimal build time.
“Our products are developed to the highest international standards for markets worldwide,” said Sharavrentsen Tsogt, co-founder of AVEVAI said. “Our initial focus will be on China, followed closely by other markets where stricter emissions regulations in cities are also increasing demand for e-LCVs. The US and Europe currently accounts for around 50% of the global courier, express and parcel market and we anticipate an increasing need for highly-efficient, cost-effective e-LCVs in these regions as e-commerce continues to gain in popularity.”
The AVEVAI company name is formed from the words ‘Autonomous Vehicle; Electric Vehicle; Artificial Intelligence’, hinting at future developments planned in other key mobility-focused technologies. Partnerships with specialist automotive and technology partners will enable the fast development of innovative logistics software, including AI machine-learning and driverless technology for its next generation of products.
