In 2007 Innovative People identified the need for the development of a small electric commuter vehicle in the South African market.  Having a clear understanding (because of our involvement in the South African Solar Challenge) of what is required to build a successful electric car, Innovative People started researching the different electric vehicles available on the market.  It quickly became obvious that this was a project that needed to be established fast and driven hard since the opportunity is huge.  It was decided that rather than following a traditional route of researching and building yet another electric vehicle, we chose to clearly understand what was needed and then search for a prototype vehicle and that can be adapted, industrialized and then taken into full production.  This decision would not only save time, but also huge reduce initial research costs. 

The objective is to design and build an efficient and light weight but sporty 3-wheeled solar-electric commuter car.  Most of the time it carries just one person, but it has room for a passenger behind the driver, and for a small amount of hand luggage. The commuter should have the option of being powered by non-polluting renewable energy. 

 

After looking at a multitude of options one vehicle stood out as the ideal candidate.  It is currently named the TREV (Two-seater Renewable Energy Electric Vehicle).  This vehicle is designed and developed by Professor Peter Pudney from UniSA (University of South Australia).  This is seen as an academic research exercise and thus they are happy to share what they have as a starting point for a company that is prepared to industrialize and further develop the ideas into a sustainable commercial venture. 

 

People’s single biggest concern with electric cars is the replacement cost of batteries, this concern has been addressed in a novel way and will be part of the strategies that will make this business succeed.

 

The project is divided into 3 phases, each phase is designed to achieve very specific milestones, remove risks and advance the project.

Phase 1: Build two prototypes, finalize the design and establish and test business models to ensure commercial success into the future.  Private Venture funding of R5,500,000 is needed for Phase 1.

Phase 2: Build the first 100 Vehicles, operate them for commercial gain, in a verity of environments, and introduce the ideas to the public in general.  This Phase is expected to cost about R35,000,000, although we are expecting to get funding from government funding agencies a large portion of the funding will be raised with a prospectus.

Phase 3: Move from unit production, to mass production.  By this time, we intend to list the company to raise the expected R140,000,000 needed to setup a complete production facility.

 

Investment in this round of development (the raising of R 5,500,000) is strictly for the completion of Phase 1 and is only available through private offerings.  The primary focus of Phase 1 will be to identify and secure grants or other forms funding to proceed with Phase 2  The possibility of share dilution may have to be considered when raising the required capital for Phase 2 through a public offering and the publication of a professional prospectus.  It is envisaged that Phase 3 will be achieved by taking the company to the wider public or through the listing or approaching more formal capital markets.

 

Name	in the process of selecting this (feel free to make some suggestions)
Description	1 x Rear Wheel Drive, 2 seats (inline), 3 wheels
Body	Carbon-fiber, aluminum honeycomb, foam, fiberglass, epoxy, blown acrylic
Target Weight	Less than 280kg
Payload	180kg
Size (LxWxH)	3300 x 1200 x 1200
Power	1 x 30kW Hub Motor, perm. mag. Brushless DC, Regenerative breaking capabilities
Drive Train	2-stage toothed belt, fixed ratio transmission, disc brakes with retractable calipers
Storage	Ideally Lithium Polymer (45kg) 7.8kWh, 96V
Energy Source	Plug-in (preferably renewable sources), possibility of Solar on the roof
Consumption	1800W at 60km/h, 46Wh per km (less than that of a hair dryer)
0-100km	In less than 10s
Top Speed	120km/h (electronically limited)
Target Range	150km in the city, 200km open road (about R7 per full recharging at Eskom Prices)
Tires	165/65 R14 low rolling resistance
Target Price	Less than R 3,500 per month, full service lease.