ELM Mobility, a joint venture between Prodrive Advanced Technology and Astheimer Design, has opened testing of its first-of-a-kind last-mile electric delivery vehicle, supported by backing from Barclays.

ELM’s electric quadricycle is a low-cost, high-efficiency and robust last-mile delivery vehicle

Debuted at the UK Cenex Expo in September 2024 and due on sale in 2028, the zero-emission Evolv quadricycle has been designed for low cost, high efficiency and robust operation. The L7e category vehicle matches the cubic load capacity of mid-size vans despite being 50% lighter, pushing the boundaries in the logistics sector.

The new investment from global bank Barclays, which joins a roster of strategic investors, will support the next phase of Evolv’s development by testing the technology with logistics firms using 10 vehicles for engineering signoff.

Initial client testing will utilise the demonstrator vehicle showcased at Cenex, with sessions being booked for 2024 and early 2025, obtaining as much feedback as possible to inform the final design that will enter production.

ELM Mobility is keen to engage with a range of potential customers but is particularly interested in logistic companies and fleet managers that are operating primarily in inner cities. Interested parties can get in touch via email.

Iain Roche, CEO of ELM Mobility, said: “Last-mile delivery is a major concern for logistics companies, particularly in our busy city centres. At ELM Mobility we wanted to create an iconic solution with the Evolv demonstrator that will enable cities to improve air quality and congestion, and support logistics companies’ needs to provide cost effective and zero-emission delivery solutions.”

Designed by leading vehicle designer Astheimer and engineered by motorsport and automotive specialist Prodrive, Evolv is now backed financially by Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital, completing a triad of three cornerstone strategic investors. Alongside an existing angel investor, these strategic partners will play a key role in delivering ELM Mobility’s products to market, and at scale.

Steven Poulter, head of principal structuring and investments at Barclays, commented: “Whilst other small, last-mile vehicles exist, Evolv is addressing a gap in the market for a light-weight e-vehicle that can carry a Euro pallet, the most widely used exchange pallet globally. Unmatched for capacity and efficiency, and backed by two leaders in the auto industry, ELM Mobility will have a strong offering for a growing, last-mile and low-carbon delivery market.”

Certification and production for the Evolv will start in 2028, and ELM Mobility has an initial target to produce 10,000 vehicles each year.

Tim Colchester, chief operating officer, Prodrive Group, said: “Prodrive is excited to be combining its fast-paced engineering capability into an application that has the potential to make a huge impact in last-mile delivery, and help hit our net zero carbon targets. We have had the opportunity to work with a number of commercial EV companies over the years, and it’s fantastic to be able to apply all that learning into this exciting new venture.”

Carsten Astheimer, founder and creative director at Astheimer Design, said: “The idea for ELM’s unique architecture came from the understanding of the particular needs of last-mile logistics companies. The Astheimer Design team’s talent and tenacity have translated those needs into a ‘fit-for-purpose’ iconic design. We look forward to continuing this journey with the collaboration and insights from the companies specialised in the last-mile mobility sector.”