Fox E-Mobility reveals ‘skateboard’ for Mia 2.0
Fox E-Mobility has presented an integrated mini construction kit for the Mia 2.0 electric car. The concept, called skateboard, allows several derivatives of the Mia product family such as shorter or longer models for three or four passengers or small vans with 1,500 litres of space.
Fox E-Mobility took over the rights to the Mia in December 2020 and announced at the time a production start for the first quarter of 2023. The compact model is based on the Mia 1.0, which was already introduced around ten years ago, but is to be equipped with “state-of-the-art battery technology and the latest drive systems”. Features such as the central driving position and the compact exterior dimensions with the largest possible interior space are to be retained.
Now, Fox E-Mobility is providing details on the model’s floor platform and the platform concept for an entire family of battery-powered micro vans. The skateboard consists of a robust, recyclable steel substructure that allows for different wheelbases and floor distances, and contains all the central components for electric and autonomous driving.
These include, first and foremost, one or alternatively two batteries, a drive unit with 40 to a good 100 kW on the rear axle and an optional front motor with 30 kW. Fox E-Mobility also says the platform is prepared for the installation of a fuel cell. In terms of software, the skateboard has a system that can be updated “over the air” and communicate with other services. Right from the start, the model family will also allow autonomous driving according to Level 2+. According to the developer, the architecture is already built in such a way that it also supports Level 3 and 4.
“With the new skateboard, we have an innovative modular concept that competes excellently in terms of costs, performance, technology and market flexibility,” says Christian Jung, Board Member for Research and Development at Fox E-mobility. “It is another significant step on our consistent path to the planned market launch of the MIA in 2023,” he points out. Meanwhile, the company is still keeping further details on the planned derivatives to itself.
The revival of plans for the Mia came late last year. At that time, Fox E-mobility AG introduced itself as the new manufacturer of the vehicle. The change of ownership took place as follows: The failed manufacturer of the Mia 2.0 named Fox Automotive Switzerland AG was acquired by Catinum AG in the course of a “reverse IPO”, i.e. it had already discontinued its operative business beforehand and only acted as a so-called shell company. The general meeting of Catinum AG decided on the takeover in the form of a capital increase against contribution in kind with a volume of 69.6 million euros. The name of Catinum AG was simultaneously changed to Fox E-mobility AG.
So much for the somewhat complicated ownership structure. The German-based AG stated in December that it wanted to focus on the European development and production of battery-electric vehicles in the low-price segment for all major European markets. At the time, Philippe Perret (CEO), Ulrich Hoernke (CFO) and Christian Jung (CTO) took over the management.
The new Mia 2.0 is based on the Mia 1.0, which was originally designed by VW and Mercedes-Benz designer Murat Günak. In an earlier announcement, Fox named 16,000 euros (incl. VAT and before subsidies) as the future retail price. The Slovakian battery company InoBat Auto are to give the Mia 2.0 its power storage systems. Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding in early summer for extensive cooperation on the development, production and battery design for the Mia 2.0. According to the letter of intent, the first cells could be delivered from 2022, and from 2023 onwards they should then rise “into a significant five-figure range”.
Reporting by Cora Werwitzke
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