Solar-powered micro EV set for Istanbul showcase
An ultra-compact battery electric vehicle with a solar panel roof is set to be unveiled in Istanbul next month.
Launched in 2024, the Zev-Up project brings together 18 international partners to develop a modular, ultra-compact battery electric vehicle platform with three configurations: a two-seater passenger vehicle, a four-seater family model and a two-seater cargo vehicle for commercial use.
Having received approximately €11 million in EU funding and a further €3 million from the UKRI and industry partners, the 42-month project will showcase its prototypes at the 17th ITS European Congress taking place on April 27-29.
“The mission of Zev-Up is to accelerate the global market uptake of innovative electric vehicles by developing a modular, cost-effective and user-centric vehicle platform,” Emin Aliyev, Senior Project Coordinator at Ertico-ITS Europe, told Zag Daily.
Aliyev said that the project aims to tackle the “densely populated urban challenge” with a vehicle adaptable for both passenger and goods transport.
Having moved from field research and innovation to the build phase, the vehicle falls within the L7e category. It features three wheelbase variants to serve the three use-cases with a maximum weight of 450 kilograms. It can reach a top speed of 90 km/h and can travel 200 kilometres on a single charge.
The vehicle is equipped with 4G and 5G connectivity to support shared mobility services. It operates under a battery-as-a-service model using swappable batteries and includes an integrated solar roof panel for added charging.
For the passenger vehicles, the two-seater variant is expected to cost €8,500 and the four-seater €10,000. The cargo variant will cost €14,000.
At the Istanbul Congress, project partners Beemobs and Ford Otosan will demonstrate the vehicle’s capabilities in both passenger and cargo transport, as well as its battery-swapping system.
The Zev-Up road map
The Zev-Up project is scheduled to conclude in June 2027.
By that point, the consortium aims to have validated its three vehicle types and modular platform through real-world trials in Istanbul, Greece and Romania. It also plans to develop a scalable deployment model and establish guidelines for battery-as-a-service systems to ensure commercial viability.
Within the business model, the “battery-as-a-service” concept provides users with the option to own the battery or rely on a leasing scheme, aiming to lower the initial vehicle cost while enabling battery swapping when the battery is depleted.
Beyond 2027, the project intends to support the market launch of the vehicles, targeting short urban trips of under 30 kilometres. The vehicles are hoped to reduce energy consumption per kilometre by 50 to 70 percent compared to typical B-segment electric cars.
To accelerate rollout, Zev-Up plans to develop digital tools and virtual testing methods to cut development time and costs for manufacturers and reduce reliance on physical prototypes.
“With these innovations, we aim to strengthen EU leadership in light vehicle innovation, supporting SMEs, new manufacturers and established OEMs to decarbonise our densely populated urban areas while promoting a circular economy,” said Aliyev.