Highly Integrated Mini Construction Kit for Electric Car Mia

Munich-based electric vehicle company Fox E-Mobility has unveiled a new platform concept for its battery-powered micro vans. By integrating all the key technologies of modern electric cars, the Mia car family now has an efficient modular system.

Called the »Skateboard«, the platform is based on a robust, crash-resistant and recyclable substructure made significantly of steel, according to the company. It is designed to integrate all the performance and intelligence of a competitive e-car. The substructure itself is flexible to accommodate different wheelbases and floor distances, but the central seating position of the driver is always the same.

In addition, the ease of high-volume production, low-cost repair strategy and standard parts integration options are advantages, according to manufacturer Fox E-Mobility. The platform is said to allow several derivatives of the Mia product family, for example shorter or longer models for three or four passengers, as well as small vans for urban centers with 1,500 liters of space. This will achieve a high level of cost efficiency.

Based on the principle of modularity are the installation options for the battery (a second battery can be installed or retrofitted) and the drive unit on the rear axle, which can achieve an output of around 40 to over 100 kW. A front motor with an output of 30 kW can also be installed. The platform is open to technology and prepared for the installation of a fuel cell.

In terms of smart technology, the skateboard has its own software ecosystem that is updated online (over the air) and can communicate with other services. It already has Level 2+ for autonomous driving. Levels 3 and 4 are prepared in the architecture.

For Dr. Christian Jung, Fox E-Mobility's board member for research and development, »Skateboard is another step on our way to the planned market launch of the Mia in 2023.«