Project Overview
The EMotive Scarab is a fully built and driveable prototype of the world’s first zero-emission all-terrain six-wheel commercial electric vehicle. EMotive’s goal is to create an affordable and accessible eco-solution for off-road industries, where its Scarab vehicle platform can be utilised across a range of applications, making it exceptionally diverse.
The Centre for Future Clean Mobility (CFCM) has world class expertise in zero emission power trains and are leaders in clean propulsion in the marine sector. This project is to utilise the knowledge within CFCM to investigate novel applications for the Scarab.
How did the MBTC support the business?
Jack Shanahan, Business Research Associate at CFCM worked with the team at EMotive to determine applications of the Scarab and highlight within these disciplines where the truck would thrive above its current competition.
Benefits (What were the project results?)
By ensuring the Scarab platform didn’t focus it’s capabilities on just one specific industry, the all-terrain versatility of the design paired with its on-road abilities mean that there is potential for it to thrive in large number of roles. This will be achieved by vehicle manufacturers taking the platform and building the appropriate body and equipment onto it to suit the intended application.
The use cases identified in the report are relatively undefined with regards to range and output, especially for the ERV application. This limits the vehicle because when working with restricted scope, this reduces the ability to react to changes or situations without a range extender or self-charging capability.
Emergency Rescue Vehicle or ERV is a blanket term that covers an extensive list of specialised vehicles designed to assist a rescue effort either directly or by transport of equipment & personnel. An equipped ERV Scarab is expected to weigh approximately 8 tonnes. This puts the Scarab in a weight class that allows potential ferrying. A range of possibilities for emergency rescue in hard-to-access areas would made conceivable should the vehicle be able to disembark a marine-vessel straight onto the coast.
The vehicle would benefit from a hybrid or alternative fuel system that exceeds the current battery setup. This should be made specific to the application so that it matches the output requirements as closely as possible.
EMotive were delighted with the results of this project and this work will be continued with the application of an Innovate UK bid this spring.
Jack Shanahan, Business Research Associate at CFCM said,
“The team at EMotive possesses significant expertise in the realm of electrification as well as the journey from paper to production and this reflects in their progress. Their efforts to introduce an alternatively powered specialised vehicle with the capacity to
expand into several diverse industries have yielded a more-than capable prototype. Decarbonisation strategy will have a part to play in every and all sectors in the coming years and I believe this will drive the Scarab’s appeal.”