10 August 2023, Possible Questions to Be Answered By NMITE

(In all of these points, I have used the word “car”. I use the word in its lay context. In strictly legal terms the vehicle would in all probability be a light quadracycle. Whatever category of vehicle it fits into, it will meet or exceed all relevant legislation.)

The car has got to be lightweight, simple and inexpensive for the customer. How can this best be achieved while still having a robust and reliable vehicle optimized for customer acceptability?

This is relevant to the powertrain, including traction batteries, motor, suspension and wheels. It is also relevant to the body structure, doors and other closures, body panels, interior trim, seats and instrument panel.

How can the car be made suitable for use across world markets, particularly for both left- and right-hand drive?

Repositioning of the controls on either one or the other side of the car in a simple but failsafe manner needs to be investigated. This applies to initial manufacture but also the potential for quick and easy re-fit during the normal service intervals. There are possibilities for drive-by-wire functions but also possible hurdles, not least legislative ones. Mechanical systems for steering and foot controls might be a better option. This also informs the possible choice of a tandem seating arrangement, which circumvents this issue.

Does the car have doors?

A fundamental purpose of the car is to be reasonably weatherproof. However, doors are also expensive and complex. Can the car provide acceptable weather protection without them? If they are judged to be necessary, can they be made simpler, lighter or optional in order to reduce costs both to the company and the customer? Would a potential tandem seat car have a door on only one side and be entirely closed on the other?

What is the best “future-proof” package for the batteries?

We are pretty much agreed that the batteries need to be removeable. What is the package size and is there an industry standard that exists or is becoming the preferred norm? Do we have scope to establish this standard ourselves, or with collaborators? We do not want to be “Betamax” when everyone else is “VHS”.

What materials are the best option for the body structure and panels (both interior and exterior)?

This needs to be determined with regards to cost, weight, environmental footprint, perceived quality and many other measures.

The car should be designed for re-manufacture and re-use many times over. How can this requirement be achieved and what are the implications for other engineering attributes?

The car should be future proof in every aspect of its design and engineering. All parts should be replaceable, swappable, easily refurbished and with a minimal environmental footprint. Each car will be used by many customers during its long service life and must seem contemporary, innovative and fresh to each one.

© Jonathan Holt, August 2023