AVEVAI, a new B2B e-mobility and logistics solutions and technology provider based in Singapore, launched its range of IONA electric light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs) at the 5^th Guangzhou International Electric Vehicles Show in China (16-25 November 2018).

The electric vehicles—in van and truck configurations—are designed specifically for use by delivery and service businesses and use supercapacitor battery hybrid technology to achieve an all-electric range of 330 km (205 miles) for the IONA Van and 300 km (186 miles) for the IONA Truck—up to 40% more than comparable e-LCVs.

Supercapacitors are able to accept and deploy electrical charge much faster than conventional batteries, and are less affected by charge and discharge cycles, thereby giving them a longer life.

The graphene-infused supercapacitor technology used by AVEVAI in its IONA models is developed by Singapore-based e-SYNERGY, a provider of smart batteries and energy management systems. This system also extends the optimal productive life of the batteries, compared with existing products on the market. In addition to lowering the total cost of ownership, a factory warranty of five years or 200,000 km (whichever comes first) ensures that no further battery-related expenses are incurred by the vehicle owner or operator.

IONA electric vehicles are powered by a Graphene Energy Management System (GEMS) that can be customized for use in any electric vehicle to enhance performance and range and maximize the productive life of the battery.

The patented GEMS technology, which AVEVAI and e-SYNERGY plan to market in 2019, uses graphene-infused supercapacitors with very low internal resistance. Controlled by a proprietary smart algorithm, GEMS allows charging and discharging cycles to run in nanoseconds and the entire vehicle electrical system to store and distribute energy more efficiently and with greater flexibility.

The system can also harness and utilize up to 85% of energy captured through regenerative braking, which contributes to a substantial extension in range of up to 40% in real-life road tests.

Vehicle down-time is also reduced with fewer charging intervals and optimal charging versatility. A 22kW AC charging station will fully charge the IONA Truck in two hours, while the IONA Van takes less than four hours to be fully charged via a fast-charging terminal. Standard 220v charging is also available. The enhanced durability and performance of the batteries is assured in extreme weather conditions, enabling battery operation in temperatures as low as -40 ˚C and as high as +70 ˚C.

Designed by AVEVAI in Singapore, the IONA is built on a chassis developed in an R&D facility in Stuttgart, Germany, in cooperation with Daimler and Foton. The development process incorporates all performance and safety related elements, from brakes, bearings, drive and control systems, as well as insulation and NVH, to achieve the highest international standards for quality and meet stringent European safety regulations.

AVEVAI was founded in response to the growing demand from small- and medium-sized businesses for low-cost, flexible e-LCVs, driven by the growth of e-commerce. The first two IONA models can be configured to exact customer requirements, with short and long wheel-base versions capable of carrying a payload of up to 2,500 kg and as much as 18 m³ of cargo.

IONA models will be distributed directly by AVEVAI, with first deliveries from February 2019 and deliveries to other markets, including Europe and the US, from May 2019.

A manufacturing partnership has been agreed with China Foton Motor Co., Ltd. to build the vehicles at the FOTON facilities in Shangdong, China, ensuring the highest levels of build quality. With the factory and test drive facilities already established, orders are being taken immediately with minimal build time.

The AVEVAI company name is formed from the words ‘Autonomous Vehicle; Electric Vehicle; Artificial Intelligence’, hinting at future developments planned in other key mobility-focussed technologies. Partnerships with specialist automotive and technology partners will enable the fast development of innovative logistics software, including AI machine-learning and driverless technology for its next generation of products.