IF WE HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS ULTRA-MODULAR, WILL WE EVER NEED TO CHANGE OUR CAR?
Electric vehicle (EV) development is one of the most significant trends in the automotive industry. With fossil fuels availability declining and consumer (and cities’) interest in exploring clean modes of transportation, many companies are trying to develop EVs. Most programs are seeking to create automobiles that offer a driving range similar to gas-powered cars. These cars also tend to look and feel just like the vehicles we are used to; the fuel source is the main difference.
A 2013 study found that in the US, 70% of drivers travel less than 60 miles (96 kilometers) a day; in parts of : the UK average is 25 miles (40 kilometers) and France it is 37 miles (60 kilometers).. That is well within the range of today’s EVs which raises the question: is there room in the market for a short-range EV?
XYT is a next-generation automotive manufacturer that believes the answer to that question is yes, starting with last-mile logistics for urban delivery. XYT was established to develop electric vehicles that are intended to be efficient and durable, but also modular. This means that as technology advances and usage needs evolves, the vehicle can be adapted, not replaced. Such upgrades are possible because the vehicle is made from just 580 components (compared to upwards of 10,000 in traditional cars), which can be assembled and reconfigured manually with a simple tool box. The results can thus be personalized, meaning customers can tailor their vehicle for whatever function, image and need they desire.
XYT’s open vehicle platform “PIXEL” has already been tested for over a million kilometers, helping to optimize its design for last mile mobility and enabling positive experiences for its operators’ businesses (last-mile logistics, E-commerce, etc.).
The company started its innovation journey with the PIXEL Y, a 2-seater for individual and shared mobility, They are currently focusing on the new PIXEL X product line for clean, durable and efficient last-mile logistics. Moving forward, XYT is also planning to leverage its modular platform to develop a shuttle version targeting public, shared or private people transportation as a new PIXEL T product line.
XYT applied to be part of the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab in order to have access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud to help accelerate their mission. They are able to collaborate with a network of local and global talents, in disciplines ranging from designers to suppliers to local customization agents. The software solutions offered by Dassault Systemes also enable rapid and dynamic customer configuration and customization based on the XYT modular architecture.
Discover more about how they work with the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab and watch below to see the PIXEL X in action:
Alyssa is a Communications Director on the Dassault Systèmes Corporate Publishing team. She’s been part of DS for over 20 years, in roles ranging from public relations to marketing programs. Twitter: @DS_Alyssa